Attachment, bereavement and continuity of ties in coping with loss

Relationship between attachment, the grieving process and continuity of attachments in coping with loss: a systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review has considered the literature published over the last 30 years on the relationships between attachment, the grieving process and coping with loss. Attachment is the bond that is established at birth, primarily with primary caregivers. The grieving process is the reaction to the loss of a close relationship. Continuity of attachment is a tool that mourners use to stay attached to the deceased. The work is mainly based on empirical studies with samples of subjects where, for the most part, measures of attachment, grief and continuity of ties were taken. The results of these studies show relationships between the three variables however, causal relationships cannot be established and more research is needed to clarify the relationship between these variables. In general terms, secure attachment is related to a more adaptive grieving process and anxious and avoidant attachment hinders the grieving process. On the other hand, continued attachment to the deceased will be adaptive or maladaptive depending on whether or not it conforms to the person's dominant meaning system.