Ambivalence in grief therapy: The interplay between change and self-stability. Issue 2 (7th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alves, Daniela; Fernández-Navarro, Pablo; Ribeiro, António P.; Ribeiro, Eugénia; Sousa, Inês; Gonçalves, Miguel M.
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 40:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2016-02-07
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2015.1102177
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article explores the role of ambivalence in grief therapy within a narrative framework. From this perspective, change starts with the occurrence of innovative moments, which can be nullified by reaffirmation of the problematic self-narrative as a sign of ambivalence. This study analyzed ambivalence in six complicated grief cases using the "Return to the Problem Coding System." Markers of ambivalence emerged in all cases, with a decreasing profile in cases with greater symptomatic improvement, suggesting an association between clinical change and ambivalence evolution in therapy. Addressing ambivalence may bring to light important aspects of client's self-reconstruction after a major loss.