Coping and Growth in Bereavement

Abstract

This study included an examination of the relationship between coping and growth in a mixed population of bereaved individuals. Coping was operationalized as the dual process model of coping with bereavement (DPM). Growth was operationalized as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Participants (n = 154) completed a modified version of the Inventory of Daily Widowed Life (IDWL-M) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and provided demographic information. The relationship between the IDWL-M Oscillation Scores (Raw and Absolute-Value) and the PTGI Total Score and Factor Scores (1-5) were examined by linear and multiple linear regression analyses. Between samples t-tests were used to examine differences in PTG for nature of loss (expected and unexpected) and gender. First, no relationship was found to exist between equality in Loss- and Restoration-Orientation coping using the Absolute-Value Oscillation Score and PTG Total and Factor Scores. Second, a statistically-significant negative relationship was found to exist between the IDWL-M Raw Oscillation Score and PTGI Factor 2 (New Possibilities). Third, individuals with an unexpected loss were found to experience significantly more growth than those with an expected loss. These findings suggest that a increased focus on the issues directly associated with the loss is related to an increased growth in the area of New Possibilities. Also, these results suggest that individuals with a sudden loss experience more growth than do those who are able to anticipate the loss. Posttraumatic growth was shown to be prevalent among these participants.