AI Insight
This longitudinal study of 52 relatives of cancer patients found that overall pre-loss grief significantly decreased over 1.5 years, with emotional pain being the primary component that diminished while other dimensions remained stable. Attending psychotherapy more than once per month was associated with greater reductions in pre-loss grief. Importantly, higher levels of pre-loss grief predicted increased anxiety 1.5 years later, even though general psychological health did not predict subsequent grief levels.
Why it matters
The findings indicate that relatives experiencing high pre-loss grief may require targeted psychological support, as this grief can lead to sustained anxiety even after time passes. The association between frequent psychotherapy attendance and grief reduction suggests potential intervention strategies for healthcare providers working with families facing cancer-related loss.
Understand the Science
IntroductionBefore the loss of a loved one to cancer, many relatives experience feelings of pre-loss grief. While pre-loss grief seems to have adverse health impacts, its longitudinal associations are still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the change of pre-loss grief over time, predictors of change and its relationship with psychological health over a time period of 1.5 years.MethodsFifty-two relatives of people with cancer who were at least 18 years old and spoke German were included. Multiple linear regression analysis and paired t-tests were performed.ResultsThe total pre-loss grief score significantly decreased over time (p = 0.009), while at the subscale level only emotional pain showed a significant decrease. Attendance of a psychotherapist (β = −0.452, p = 0.041) more than once per month compared to never, less than or once per month was associated with a greater reduction in pre-loss grief. While psychological health did not predict later pre-loss grief (p > 0.05), pre-loss grief was found to predict higher levels of anxiety (β = 0.335, p = 0.046) 1.5 years later.DiscussionFindings suggest that emotional pain may lessen over time, whereas other dimensions of pre-loss grief may remain stable. At the same time, because pre-loss grief is associated with some adverse health outcomes 1.5 years later, relatives with high levels of pre-loss grief may need additional support. Furthermore, this study provides preliminary insights into helpful intervention approaches for pre-loss grief. To understand underlying mechanisms, further dismantling studies are needed.
Source: Change of pre-loss grief in relatives of cancer patients: a longitudinal study