Stigmatization and receptivity to mental health services among recently bereaved adults

Death Stud. 2009 Sep;33(8):691-711. doi: 10.1080/07481180903070392.

Abstract

Severe grief symptoms, treatment receptivity, attitudes about grief, and stigmatization concerns were assessed in a community-based sample of 135 widowed participants in the Yale Bereavement Study. There was a statistically significant association between the severity of grief symptoms and reported negative reactions from friends and family members. However, more than 90% of the respondents with complicated grief, a severe grief disorder, reported that they would be relieved to know that having such a diagnosis was indicative of a recognizable psychiatric condition, and 100% reported that they would be interested in receiving treatment for their severe grief symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adjustment Disorders / psychology
  • Adjustment Disorders / therapy*
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Death
  • Bereavement
  • Grief*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Stereotyping*
  • United States