The Dual Process Model of coping with bereavement: Overview and update

Abstract

This article reviews basic parameters and summarises theoretical and empirical developments relating to the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement [DPM] (M.S. Stroebe and Schut, 1999). The DPM was designed to overcome limitations of earlier "grief work" models of adaptive coping with loss: for example, it builds upon and extends both the phase and task models. Recent theoretical developments of the DPM are summarised, including exploration of cognitive pathways in (mal) adaptation to bereavement and its links with patterns of attachment. Recent application to types of loss other than that of a partner (e.g., child, parent) is outlined. Empirical investigations of DPM constructs are illustrated and suggestions are made for further research to subject the model to additional testing.