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Attachment style and experiencing the symptoms of complicated grief after the death of a spouse – preliminary research among widowed women

Karolina Ludwikowska-Świeboda

Affiliacja i adres do korespondencji
Psychiatr Psychol Klin 2020, 20 (2), p. 112–121
DOI: 10.15557/PiPK.2020.0015
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Streszczenie

Aim: The aim the study was to verify the relationship between global attachment style (the dimensions of avoidance and anxiety) and severity of complicated grief in widowed women. Materials and methods: A total of 60 women who experienced the loss of their spouse in the period of 1.2–9 years were included in the study (M = 4.52; SD = 2.56). Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) was used to measure the severity of complicated grief. Experience in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR-R) was used to assess global attachment style. Results: Attachment anxiety and time elapsed from the death of a spouse are important predictors of complicated grief. The higher the level of attachment anxiety (β = 0.32; p < 0.05) and the shorter the time elapsed from the loss (β = −0.29; p < 0.05), the higher the severity of complicated grief. Attachment avoidance is not a significant predictor of complicated grief. Conclusions: Individuals with high levels of attachment anxiety belong to a risk group for complicated grief; therefore, they need special support in coping with both the loss and new life circumstances.

Słowa kluczowe
egrief, coping with loss, widowhood, attachment style