Continuing bonds and adjustment at 5 years after the death of a spouse

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2003 Feb;71(1):110-7. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.71.1.110.

Abstract

Thirty-nine bereaved individuals completed the Continuing Bonds Scale (CBS), assessing various aspects of the ongoing attachment to the deceased, at 60 months postloss in a longitudinal conjugal bereavement study. They also completed symptom measures at 6, 14, 25, and 60 months postloss. Higher CBS scores were associated with a more elevated grief-specific symptom pattern over the 5-year postloss period. Moreover, those who expressed greater helplessness and less blame toward the deceased during a monologue role-play involving their deceased spouse at 6 months postloss had higher CBS scores. Finally, greater satisfaction in the past relationship with the spouse was predictive of higher CBS scores. The results were discussed in relation to existing literature on the adaptiveness of continuing bonds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bereavement*
  • Death*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Object Attachment*
  • Social Adjustment*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires