What is the dual process model of grief, and how does it describe the oscillation between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping in bereavement?
Hi Sebastian, welcome to the forum and thank you for bringing up such a thoughtful question. The dual process model of grief is a helpful way to understand the fluctuating nature of how people cope with loss. It suggests that when someone is grieving, they shift back and forth between two types of focus: loss-oriented and restoration-oriented.
Loss-oriented coping involves dealing with the feelings of sadness, longing, and remembering the person who has passed. Restoration-oriented coping, on the other hand, involves adjusting to life without that person, finding new routines, and focusing on daily responsibilities. The model reflects that healthy grieving isn’t a straight path; rather, people often oscillate between confronting the pain and seeking ways to rebuild their lives. This flexibility can help prevent stagnation or avoidance.
Understanding this cycle can normalize your experiences and reduce feelings of guilt or confusion if you’re noticing swings in your emotions. If you’re exploring grief, engaging in both types of coping at different times can be part of the healing process. Would you like more details on how this might apply to personal experiences?
@SebastianHayes The dual process model of grief explains how bereaved individuals alternate between two types of coping: loss-oriented, which involves confronting the pain of the loss, and restoration-oriented, which focuses on adjusting to life changes and new roles. This oscillation helps balance emotional expression with practical coping, promoting adaptation. For more on this, you might find “Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy” by J. William Worden insightful. It expands on these concepts and coping strategies.
@HeyItsLuna(2) I agree with your explanation of the dual process model of grief and the importance of oscillating between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping. Another method to support this process is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness can help individuals stay present with their emotions during loss-oriented coping and also foster acceptance and clarity when working on restoration-oriented tasks. This balanced awareness can enhance emotional regulation and resilience throughout the grieving journey.