Theories Of The Grieving Process

In discussing theories of grief it should be noted that a theory, in and of itself, is a technique used to map out, explain and understand an event or process. Most individuals experience grief in a subjective manner depending upon events surrounding the death, support, spirituality, personality and unique situation of their own life (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2014). However, most will experience similar attitudes and feelings with the many aspects of the grieving process. I like the way Worden approaches the grief process in that it seems natural and humanistic. Worden views the individual experiencing grief and loss as participating in an active and engaged process and not merely stages one must pass through (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2014). He indicates that while trying to construct a sense of homeostatic balance individuals will take part in four tasks of mourning (Lista, 2013). The tasks are listed in a particular order although individuals may proceed through them in any random order according to Jackson-Cherry and Erford (2014). Additionally, they indicate one may find themselves frequenting or working through one or more of the tasks more than once and may experience a more cyclical progression of grief. Worden leads me to visualize grief as a dynamic and ongoing process rather than a static or one time event. Jackson-Cherry & Erford (2014) say the first task, after the initial impact of a loss, comes in the form of acknowledgment that a loved is gone and is not going to return. The second task revolves around allowing one’s self to experience all the emotions they will encounter. Worden suggests, according to

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Lista (2013, June 24). Worden’s four tasks of mourning. Retrieved from https://whatsyourgrief.com/wordens-four-tasks-of-mourning/
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