Grief and loss following traumatic brain injury

Literature Review: The literature review summarises the main theoretical models of grief and illustrates how these have developed from intra- to inter-personal models and from clinical to psychosocial models of bereavement. The paper explores the concepts of pathological, anticipatory, and disenfranchised grief, and attempts to identify aspects that are relevant to grief in contexts other than bereavement. Finally an attempt is made to integrate themes from the literature that are applicable to the experience of loss amongst relatives of traumatically brain-injured patients. Some useful concepts are identified, but there is not yet an adequate description in the literature of the characteristics and time course of the experience of grief in this population. Research Paper: - This research paper seeks to contribute to our understanding of grief and loss in the relatives of brain injured people. The study investigated the utility of a modified form of the Inventory of Complicated Grief as an appropriate measure of grief, and explored the hypothesis that unresolved grief was associated with poor family adjustment following traumatic brain injury. The study found that the Inventory of Complicated Grief had potential to be a useful assessment tool, with some further modifications, but in this small study, it was not possible to identify a component of grief distinct from anxiety and depression that predicted family adjustment. Critical Appraisal: - The process of identifying and carrying out the research study is discussed. The direction of the study was influenced both by clinical questions and practical issues. Factors that assisted the process or made it more difficult are described. Finally, consideration is given to the question of future research in the light of the experience of carrying out this particular project.