J Korean Acad Nurs.  2018 Feb;48(1):59-69. 10.4040/jkan.2018.48.1.59.

Influential Factors of Complicated Grief of Bereaved Spouses from Cancer Patient

• Kim SM
• Kown SH

• KMID: 2405470
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2018.48.1.59

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate variables and construct paths that affect complicated grief.
METHODS
Participants in this cross-sectional, descriptive study were 164 bereaved spouses of cancer patients at least 12 months before the death. Data were collected from October 2016 to February 2017 using self-report structured questionnaires and were analyzed using IBM SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 20.0.
RESULTS
The variables affecting complicated grief of bereaved spouses of cancer patients were the quality of end-of-life care (γ=.15, p < .001), preparedness for death (β=−.06, p=.005), and coping with bereavement (β=−.24, p < .001), whereas the quality of death and dying did not show any effects. Preparedness for death had multiple mediating effects in the relationship between the quality of end-of-life care and complicated grief (z=−2.20, p=.028), and in the relationship between the quality of end-of-life care and coping with bereavement (z=2.11, p=.035). Coping with bereavement had a mediating effect on the relationship between preparedness for death and complicated grief (z=−2.39, p=.017).
CONCLUSION
This study revealed that preparedness for death and coping with bereavement play a prominent role in complicated grief. Therefore, it is important to help in preparing for death and enhancing coping with bereavement of spouses providing end-of-life care to cancer patients. In addition, investigating cultural differences in the relationship between the quality of end-of-life care and complicated grief is recommended.

Keyword

Grief; Bereavement; Terminal Care; Palliative care

MeSH Terms

Bereavement
Grief*
Humans
Negotiating
Palliative Care
Spouses*
Terminal Care

Figure

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  Figure 1. Hypothetical model and standardized estimation of the modified model.

Reference

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