The Dual Process Model of coping with bereavement: Rationale and description

Abstract

There are shortcomings in traditional theorizing about effective ways of coping with bereavement, most notably , with respect to the so - called "grief work hypothesis . " Criticisms include imprecise definition , failure to represent dynamic processing that is characteristic of grieving , lack of empirical evidence and validation across cultures and historical periods , and a limited focus on intrapersonal processes and on health outcomes . Therefore , a revised model of coping with bereavement , the dual process model , is proposed . This model identifies two types of stressors , loss - and restoration - oriented , and a dynamic , regulatory coping process of oscillation , whereby the grieving individual at times confronts , at other times avoids , the different tasks of grieving . This model proposes that adaptive coping is composed of confrontation avoidance of loss and restoration stressors . It also argues the need for dosage of grieving , that is , the need to take respite from dealing with either of these stressors , as an integral part of adaptive coping . Empirical research to support this conceptualization is discussed , and the model's relevance to the examination of complicated grief , analysis of subgroup phenomena , as well as interpersonal coping processes , is described.