Module 4 – Theories and Models of Grief
Grief is a universal experience, but the way each individual goes through it is unique and influenced by multiple factors. In order to best support grieving individuals, it is essential to understand the different theories and models that have been developed to understand the grieving process. These conceptual frameworks offer a perspective to decode emotional reactions, stages, and stakes of grief, while taking into account the uniqueness of each experience.
In this module, we will explore the main theories and models that have shaped our understanding of grief over the decades. We’ll start with Bowlby’s attachment theory, which highlights the importance of emotional bonds and their impact on the experience of grief. We will see how different attachment styles can influence reactions to loss and how the GRIEF COACH can use this theory to better understand and support grieving individuals.
We will then discuss the dual process model of Stroebe and Schut, which proposes a dynamic vision of grief, oscillating between loss-orientation and restoration-orientation. This model highlights the need for grieving individuals to navigate between facing the pain and the need to adapt to the new reality, a balance that the GRIEF COACH can help them find.
Worden’s grief task theory will also be at the heart of this module. We will explore the four essential tasks that grieving individuals must accomplish to go through grief: To accept the reality of loss, to process the grief, to adjust to an environment in which the deceased is missing, and to find a lasting connection with the deceased while reinvesting in life. The GRIEF COACH can rely on this model to guide grieving individuals in accomplishing these tasks, at their pace and according to their needs.
The grief trajectory model of George Bonanno will provide additional insight into the diversity of reactions to grief. We will explore the four grief trajectories identified by Bonanno: resilience, chronic grief, delayed grief, and recovery. We will see how the GRIEF COACH can identify these different trajectories and adapt their support accordingly, taking into account each person’s resources and vulnerabilities.
Finally, we will discuss Colin Murray Parkes’ theory of grief as a psychosocial transition. This theory highlights the profound changes that grief implies in different areas of life, whether in terms of social roles, identity, or beliefs. We will see how the GRIEF COACH can help grieving individuals navigate these transitions, find new landmarks, and reinvest their lives in a meaningful way.
This module offers a fascinating dive into the main theories and models that illuminate the process of grief. By appropriating these conceptual frameworks, the GRIEF COACH will have valuable tools to decode the stakes of grief, identify each person’s specific needs, and provide adapted and caring support. These theories and models are not absolute truths, but reading grids that enrich our understanding of grief and invite us to welcome the uniqueness of each experience with respect and compassion.
