Patterns, Predictors, and Prognostic Validity of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder Symptoms in Recently Bereaved Adults: A Latent Class Analysis

Paul A. Boelen, Geert E. Smid, Huibertha B. Mitima-Verloop, Jos de Keijser, Lonneke I.M. Lenferink

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Persistent complex bereavement (PCBD) was entered to DSM-5. No studies have yet examined the nature, prevalence, prognostic validity, and underlying mechanisms of PCBD symptom patterns in recently bereaved people. Knowledge on these issues could improve the early identification and treatment of disturbed grief. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups characterized by different PCBD symptom patterns among recently (≤6 months) bereaved adults (n = 476). In a subgroup (n = 251), we assessed associations of class membership with PCBD severity and functional impairment assessed 3 years later. Associations between class membership and sociodemographic and cognitive-behavioral variables were also examined. We identified a resilient (50.0%), separation distress (36.1%), and high PCBD symptoms (13.9%) class. Class membership had prognostic value as evidenced by associations with PCBD severity and functional impairment assessed 3 years later. Deaths of partners/children, unexpectedness of the loss, and maladaptive cognitions and avoidance behaviors were also associated with membership of the pervasive symptom classes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)913-920
JournalJournal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Volume11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

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