Accidental and Purposeful Triggers of Post-Relationship Grief. Issue 4 (19th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DeGroot, Jocelyn M.; Carmack, Heather J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of loss and trauma. Volume 28:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 391
• Page End: 403
• Publication Date: 2023-05-19
• Subjects: Triggers -- post-relationship grief -- breakup -- grief -- Dual Process Model of Grief; Loss (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Adjustment (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Life change events -- Periodicals; Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; 154.4
• DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2022.2108614
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1532-5024

Abstract

Abstract: After the termination of a relationship, people can experience post-relationship grief (PRG). The bereaved can encounter grief intrusions: unexpected encounters that trigger memories and feelings of their lost loved one. Grief intrusions can help (or force) people to oscillate between the active work of grief and the active work of restoration. Guided by the Dual Process Model of Grief, this study sought to identify grief triggers after the end of a romantic relationship and how participants make sense of those triggers. Surprisingly, some participants admitted to purposely seeking out these triggers in order to experience the emotions of PRG.