The Mediating Role of Integration of Loss in the Relationship Between Dissociation and Prolonged Grief Disorder
Journal of Clinical Psychology
Published online on April 05, 2017
Abstract
Objective
Findings from the field of trauma have shown that there is a negative relationship between dissociation and integration of loss into the self‐narrative. At the same time, an increasing amount of literature on grief has stressed the importance of an integrated self‐narrative in the grieving process. Accordingly, the current study examined the possible mediating role played by the extent to which individuals have integrated their loss into their self‐narrative in the relationship between dissociation and symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD).
Method
The Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale (PGD‐13), the Outcome Questionnaire, the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale, the Dissociative Experiences Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire were administered to 66 individuals who had lost a loved one.
Results
The hypothesized mediation model of integration was confirmed.
Conclusion
The effect of people's dissociative tendencies on their PGD symptoms seems to occur via the impairment of their ability to integrate the memory of their loss into their general autobiographical memory. Empirical and clinical implications are discussed.