Factors of Prolonged Grief Among Bereaved Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

Abstract

Objective

  This literature review aimed to explore the factors associated with prolonged grief among bereaved individuals who had lost a close person during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

  Two databases were searched for relevant studies. Articles linked to the factors of prolonged grief disorder or complicated grief among individuals who had lost a close person during the COVID-19 pandemic were extracted. The factors analyzed and discussed in the retrieved studies were categorized based on their similarities.

Results

  Nine articles were extracted from 163 articles identified in the searches. Prolonged grief was observed among bereaved individuals during the pandemic irrespective of whether the loss was caused by COVID-19. Bereaved individuals who were unable to bid farewell to the deceased after the death or could virtually bid farewell before the death, and those who lost a first-degree family member in a close relationship were more likely to develop prolonged or severe grief. Attendance of in-person rituals was not significantly related to the level of prolonged grief symptoms. Bereaved persons who wished to receive psychosocial support showed more symptoms of prolonged grief disorder.

Conclusion

  For bereaved individuals who lost a close person during the pandemic, whether they bid farewell to the deceased in a way that allowed them to accept the loss may be related to the level of severe grief reactions, regardless of the cause of death. Healthcare workers should consider the potential risk of prolonged grief disorder among bereaved individuals in the aftermath of a public health emergency, and grief support should be offered to individuals in need.