Bereavement research directions

This paper summarises directions in bereavement research drawing from a new handbook on this topic. It covers emotional reactions, measurement including grief specific scales - and examination of coping theories as they apply to bereavement processes. The biopsychosocial aspects of bereavement are considered, including neuroendocrine changes, immune system changes, sleep physiology effects, and changes demonstrated by neuroimaging techniques. Issues of ethical decision making in bereavement research are also reviewed. Patterns and consequences of bereavement for different groups, and over time, are reviewed, as are considerations of different types of bereavement including traumatic or chronic grief, as well as the normality of bereavement more generally. Research on risk of adverse bereavement outcomes highlights the groups likely to benefit from intervention. Reviews of research on promotion and treatment highlight both the need to focus on the more high risk and complex bereavements, and to improve methodologies. The implications for future research are considered.