Grief is the normal response to a loss.
The normal process of reacting both internally and externally to the perception of loss.
The psychological, behavioral, social and physical reactions to loss of something or someone that is closely tied to a person's identity.
Grief reactions may be seen in response to physical or tangible losses (e.g., a death) or in response to symbolic or psychosocial losses (e.g., divorce, losing a job).
Often used interchangeably with:
Mourning, Grieving, Bereaved, Bereavement
Source:
National Cancer Institute. Loss, Grief, and Bereavement (PDQ) 2005. Health Professional Version. Available at:
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/bereavement/HealthProfessional/page1
Casarett D, Kutner JS, Abrahm J. 2001. Life after Death: A Practical Approach to Grief and Bereavement. Ann intern Med. 134:208-215. PDF File available at: http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/134/3/208.pdf
DeSpelder LA. Strickland AL. 2005. The Last Dance: Encountering Death and Dying. 7th Edition. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill.
Corr CA. Nabe CM. Corr DM. 2003. Death and Dying Life and Living. 4th Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Thomson Learning Publishing Co.
