Identifying levels of vulnerability in grief using the Adult Attitude to Grief scale: from theory to practice

Abstract

AbstractA key challenge for service providers and practitioners in the field of bereavement is to match clients’ varied needs with equally diverse approaches to care. In order to provide these appropriate and effective interventions, it is crucial to have a reliable means of assessing levels of vulnerability in bereaved clients. The Range of Response to Loss model (RRL) and Adult Attitude to Grief scale (AAG) have evolved as practice tools able to profile the variable nature of client grief by identifying the initially instinctive reactions to loss alongside more aware coping responses. This paper describes the theoretical concepts which underpin the AAG, and recent research which confirms the factor structure of the scale and its capacity to identify varied levels of vulnerability. The application of the AAG to practice as an assessment/ outcome tool and guide to intervention are set out and future developments such as potential inclusion in the CORE IMS discussed.