Physiological effects of chronic grief: A biofeedback treatment approach

Journal/Book: Death Stud. 1996; 20: 1900 Frost Road, Suite 101, Bristol, PA 19007-1598. Hemisphere Publ Corp. 59-72.

Abstract: This article makes explicit the implicit links among chronic grief, psychological stress, physiological functioning, and treatment via biofeedback and relaxation training. A brief review of recent literature shows the connections among these areas, and from these connections emerges a simple model describing the interactions of chronic grief and psychological stress with the physiology of the bereaved. This model focuses on bereaved persons with pre- or co-existing medical conditions likely to worsen with prolonged grief. A brief discussion of emotional aspects of chronic grief follows. Finally, a specific treatment modality-relaxation training with biofeedback assistance and desensitization-is applied to this model as well as to the emotional dimension, and the benefits thereof are discussed.

Note: Article JK Arnette, Colorado State Univ, Dept Psychol, FT Collins, CO 80523 USA

Keyword(s): RELAXATION; STRESS; INTERVENTIONS; BEREAVEMENT; IMAGERY

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