The narrative dynamics of grief after homicide

Omega (Westport). 2012;65(3):239-49. doi: 10.2190/OM.65.3.f.

Abstract

The homicidal death of a loved one is horrific. Dying from homicide can be more sudden, frightening, and stigmatizing than natural dying and may be followed by a sub-type of prolonged grief complicated by vivid narrative reenactment of the dying, intense feelings of remorse, and nihilistic despair. After a literature review of grief after homicide, the author clarifies the salient narrative themes of homicidal dying and their specific effects on trauma and separation distress. A preliminary model is then developed and illustrated in a therapy case outlining a technique (imaginative exposure) to diminish the disabling fixation of reenactment imagery, remorse, and despair.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Anecdotes as Topic
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Family Relations
  • Female
  • Grief*
  • Homicide / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Object Attachment*
  • Social Support
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*