The Processes of Grief and Resilience After the Anticipated Death of a Parent During Emerging Adulthood

This clinical dissertation explored the various processes of grief and resilience involved after the anticipated the death of a parent during emerging adulthood. An initial presentation on the recent research related to current emerging adults' particular needs and dynamics is included. A discussion on attitudes towards death follows, along with an analysis of the particular dynamics around parental death and anticipated death. Common grief responses are described in conjunction with various mediators that have been identified as augmenting or diminishing specific grief responses. Some of the major grief theories that conceptualize grief and the processes involved are detailed, followed by a description of the various grief trajectories that research has recently begun to demonstrate.;An overview of resilience and the various factors associated with it among emerging adults is presented. Next, disorders and areas of concern related to complicated grief are described and immediately followed with an analysis of existing grief therapy research findings. An integration of the grief and resilience literature and research leads to suggestions for clinical practice. A strength-based, task approach utilizing Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning is recommended, incorporating additional essential intervention factors and a healthy termination process.