The core emotion themes of conjugal loss

Previous studies have associated emotion and appraisal with long-term berea vement outcome. The present study extended this research by coding conjugal bereavement narratives for core relational themes (CRT) that served as emo tional summaries of unique combinations of appraisal features. A range of C RTs was evidenced at 6 months after loss, with positive CRTs, such as love/ affection and pride, occurring most frequently. As a way to examine competi ng models of coping with loss, CRTs were grouped by goal-congruence (positi ve/negative) and appraisal features (self/interpersonal) into four thematic categories, and they were compared with 6-, 14-, and 25-month outcome. Res ults contradicted the traditional "grief work" perspective, but they were c onsistent with the alternative view that recovery is fostered by identity c ontinuity and a continued emotional bond with the deceased. With initial sy mptoms and Dyadic Adjustment Scale scores controlled, enhanced self themes (e.g., self-pride) and interpersonal affirmation themes (e.g., pride in the deceased) were each associated with improved functioning over rime, wherea s interpersonal discord themes (e.g., anger at the deceased) were associate d with chronic grief.