Influential Factors of Complicated Grief of Bereaved Spouses from Cancer Patient
10.4040/jkan.2018.48.1.59
- Author:
So Myeong KIM
1
;
So Hi KOWN
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, Taegu Science University, Daegu, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Grief;
Bereavement;
Terminal Care;
Palliative care
- MeSH:
Bereavement;
Grief;
Humans;
Negotiating;
Palliative Care;
Spouses;
Terminal Care
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
2018;48(1):59-69
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
