Files and links (1)
PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Dissertation
Coping with bereavement through the use of optimistic emotional disclosure
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Mar 2004
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-444
Abstract
Recent bereavement research has attempted to identify appropriate and beneficial interventions for those experiencing the painful mental and physical sequelae following the loss of a loved one. According to Fredrickson's (1998) "broaden and build" theory, the lasting effects of positive emotions can transform people into more creative, resilient and healthy individuals. Using writing as a tool for emotional disclosure, this study compares those who are directed to write about their loss (ED), those who are directed to write about their positive beliefs, hopes for the future, and character-building aspects of experiencing the loss (P), and those who write about neutral events as a control (N). Results indicate that while all groups decrease in negative affect over time F (5, 55) = 4.8, p<.01, the P group significantly increased their ability to "actively cope" with their loss from baseline to a 6-week follow-up, t (2, 19) = -2.2, p<.05. However, the P group also reported less "Acceptance" of the death at a 6-week follow-up when compared to their baseline level of acceptance, t (2, 19) = 3.52, p<.01. Individuals in the ED group report less "active coping" at a 6-week follow-up when compared to their baseline level of active coping, t(2, 20) = 2.73, p = .01. Interestingly, individuals in the ED group did not write solely about their negative emotions related to the death and instead wrote primarily from a positive perspective during each session. To examine this phenomenon further, future research should explore the role of positive and negative emotion within the context of traumatic loss.
Metrics
36 File views/ downloads
36 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Coping with bereavement through the use of optimistic emotional disclosure
- Creators
- Kelly Lynn Gilrain - DU
- Contributors
- Jacqueline D. Kloss (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 444; 991014632191204721