Phenotypes of Fluctuating Prolonged Grief Disorder Responses Using Experience Sampling Methodology

The study aims to identify latent profiles of indices of fluctuation in prolonged grief disorder (PGD) intensity using experience sampling methodology (ESM) data from a novel Findable, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data archive. These profiles could help predict different grief phenotypes.
Dutch and German bereaved adults (N=228) completed PGD items 5x/day for two weeks using ESM; clinical interviews preceded the ESM period. Latent profile analyses were run to identify phenotypes of fluctuating grief responses using person-specific indicators derived from ESM-items assessing PGD: mean, standard deviation, autocorrelation indicating emotional inertia, and the root
mean square of successive differences indicating stability. The following profile-predictors were explored: demographic and loss-related characteristics, and interview-based psychopathology levels at baseline. Five profiles were identified: moderate PDG/low inertia/moderate fluctuation (46%), moderate PDG/low inertia/high fluctuation (20%), low PGD/low inertia/low fluctuation (19%), high PDG/low inertia/low fluctuation (8%), low PDG/high inertia/low fluctuation (7%). Gender, time since loss, and psychopathology levels were the most consistent differentiating predictors of profiles. The main finding is that PGD reactions fluctuate in daily life of bereaved people suggesting that ESM may be an important tool for understanding PGD phenotypes. Identifying these phenotypes
enhances our understanding of individual differences in response to loss, ultimately helping to personalize bereavement care.