Complicated grief: implications for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in couples

Authors: Swan, Alison Hauenstein; Scott, Carleen

Source: Sexual & Relationship Therapy, Volume 24, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 16-29(14)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Complicated grief has many interfaces with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including avoidance, flashbacks and shattered assumptions. Increasing use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) models in grief work are drawing on lessons learned in PTSD treatment. However, models used in grief work, such as attachment, the Dual Process Model (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) and Psychosocial Transition Theory (Parkes, 1993), are less commonly applied to understanding and treating PTSD. This paper gives an overview of how these theories explain complicated grief and PTSD and considers implications they have on treatment of couples, based on literature review and clinical experience. Treatment implications include treating PTSD before traumatic grief, working with intra-couple coping style differences, promoting acceptance and forgiveness and taking a full attachment history.

Keywords: complicated grief; post-traumatic stress disorder; attachment; couple relationships

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14681990802641299

Affiliations: 1: East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,Barts and The London School of Medicine, London, UK

Publication date: 2009-02-01

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