Assessing peri-loss emotions and their associations with ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder in a community sample of bereaved adults

Previous studies have examined risk factors for ICD-11 Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) but the variation and levels of peri-loss emotional reactions (those occurring during or immediately after the loss), and their association with grief related distress, has received little attention. This study is the first to assess retrospectively reported peri-loss emotional responses and their associations with ICD-11 PGD and PTSD in a large, bereaved adult sample (N = 1170). Peri-loss emotional responses varied widely, with sadness and shock most strongly experienced. Females and those who lost a child, sibling, spouse, or friend reported the most intense emotions. Peri-loss fear was the strongest predictor of PGD and PTSD symptom severity and probable diagnostic status. After accounting for peri-loss emotions, relationship to the deceased was not associated with probable PGD or PTSD. These new findings highlight how peri-loss emotional reactions can contribute to encouraging or discouraging the development of PGD and PTSD.