Loss and Anticipatory Grief

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer reviews two examples of loss and anticipatory grief. The writer uses J.W. Worden's four tasks as a framework for the discussion. The writer also discusses the coping strategies that are unique to the two subjects. In preparation for this discussion, the writer briefly reviews Worden's description of mourning. The writer explains that according to Worden, grieving is an active rather than a passive process, and as such the four basic tasks of mourning are identified as accepting the reality of the loss; experiencing and working through the pain and grief; adjusting to an environment in which the deceased is missing; and to emotionally relocate the deceased and move on with life.

From the Paper:

"Kristen attended the high school homecoming football game with several of her friends. After the game, the friends decided to go to a victory party, all friends riding together in a caravan of cars. As they entered the highway, one of the riders decided he wasn't sure he wanted to attend the party and so they pulled off the highway and waited for their followers to do the same. The holdout got out of the car with Kristen and went back to the car behind them to ask for a ride home, as Kirsten (the driver) wanted to go on. Accommodations were made, passengers exchanged. The driver of the second car then
waited for Kristen to pull out onto the highway. Kristen pulled out directly in front of a large Dodge pickup truck, which struck her broadside. Kirsten's car spun out of control. The driver of the Dodge pickup was a firefighter. He was unhurt, and immediately began to provide care at the scene, directing one of the teenagers to call for help. Kirsten's passengers all required emergency transport, and three, including Kristen's sister, did not survive."

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