Grief - The Types

Definitions of Types of Grief

Anticipatory Grief This type of grief occurs before a loss happens, usually when a death is expected (such as in terminal illness). The grieving process starts while the loved one is still alive, as individuals begin to mourn the anticipated loss. Source: Mayo Clinic. (2022). Anticipatory Grief

Normal Grief Also called “uncomplicated grief,” this is the typical emotional, physical, and psychological response after the loss of a loved one. It includes feelings of sadness, yearning, anger, and confusion, and typically lessens over time. Source: American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Grief

Delayed Grief Grief that is postponed or suppressed, often due to immediate responsibilities or emotional shock. It may surface weeks, months, or even years after the loss. Source: Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy (4th ed.)

Complicated Grief (Traumatic or Prolonged) A prolonged, intense form of grief that interferes with daily life. It includes persistent longing, difficulty accepting the loss, or deep emotional numbness for more than 12 months. Source: Mayo Clinic. (2022). Complicated Grief

Disenfranchised Grief (Ambiguous) Grief that isn’t acknowledged or supported by society. This includes losses that are not socially recognized (e.g., miscarriage, death of a pet, ex-spouse, or affair partner). Source: Doka, K. J. (1989). Disenfranchised Grief: Recognizing Hidden Sorrow.

Chronic Grief Grief that continues for an extended period without showing signs of improvement. The person remains in a state of mourning for years. Source: Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy (4th ed.)

Cumulative Grief Occurs when multiple losses are experienced over a short period of time, not allowing the person to properly grieve each loss. Source: Center for Loss and Life Transition. (n.d.). Understanding Grief

Masked Grief When individuals exhibit behaviors that interfere with normal functioning but are not recognized as being related to the loss. For example, physical symptoms or anger without clear connection to grief. Source: Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy (4th ed.)

Distorted Grief This involves extreme or atypical reactions to a loss, such as intense anger, self-destructive behavior, or phobias related to the loss. Source: Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy (4th ed.)

Exaggerated Grief When normal grief symptoms are intensified and may include clinical depression, phobias, or substance abuse. Source: American Academy of Grief Counseling. (n.d.). Types of Grief

Inhibited Grief Occurs when the grieving person avoids the expression of grief and may somaticize the experience instead (e.g., chronic pain or illness without medical cause). Source: Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy (4th ed.)

Collective Grief A shared emotional response by a group or community to a significant loss, such as a natural disaster, mass shooting, or cultural figure’s death. Source: Psychology Today. (n.d.). Collective Grief

Abbreviated Grief A grief response that seems short-lived. This may be due to the bereaved having prepared in advance, finding comfort in belief systems, or having immediate distractions. Source: Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy (4th ed.)

Absent Grief A situation where a person shows no outward signs of grief, even though a loss has occurred. This can be due to shock, denial, or emotional suppression. Source: Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy (4th ed.)