The causal systems approach to prolonged grief: Recent developments and future directions. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robinaugh, Donald J.; Toner, Emma R.; Djelantik, A.A.A. Manik J.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 44(2022)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Prolonged grief disorder -- Network approach -- Causal system -- Formal theory -- Idiographic models; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.08.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Abstract: The network theory of prolonged grief posits that causal interactions among symptoms of prolonged grief play a significant role in their coherence and persistence as a syndrome. Drawing on recent developments in the broader network approach to psychopathology, we argue that advancing our understanding of the causal system that gives rise to prolonged grief will require that we (a) strengthen our assessment of each component of the grief syndrome, (b) investigate intra-individual relationships among grief components as they evolve over time within individuals, (c) incorporate biological and social components into network studies of grief, and (d) generate formal theories that posit precisely how these biological, psychological, and social components interact with one another to give rise to prolonged grief disorder. Highlights: Prolonged grief may arise from causal relations among its constituent symptoms. Robust assessments of individual prolonged grief symptoms are needed. Idiographic models can advance our understanding of grief syndrome. Formalizing theories of grief will equip us to better evaluate those theories. The network theory of grief should adopt a biopsychosocial systems perspective.