Exploring an Extended Conception of Grief: Sense of Presence and Grief Reactions in German Widows.

Abstract

This study explores sense of presence (SOP) as an important feature of continuing bonds (CB) in the context of normal grief. A community sample of widows (N = 51) filled in a multidimensional grief questionnaire and a depression scale. A moderate positive association between sensing the deceased husband´s presence and cognitive and emotional impairments emerged. A positive relationship between SOP and guilt was found only if the influence of religiosity was controlled for statistically. There were no significant associations of SOP with long-lasting positive reactions to loss, such as personal growth and increase in sensitivity for others. Widows with clinically relevant depression indicated a stronger SOP than those with lower depression scores. These differentiated findings may stimulate the elaboration of an extended conception of grief beyond the focus on clinically relevant impairments.