Kinship Bereavement in Later Life: Understanding Variations in Cause, Course, and Consequence

Abstract

This discussion directs itself to a review and synthesis of the chronicles of later life kinship loss as presented in this volume. Several efforts are aimed in this direction. First, four broad generalizations about bereavement are offered: 1) Bereavement is a complex experience, 2) influenced by the context within which the loss takes place as well as 3) the nature of the lost relationship and the role the deceased played, 4) with an endpoint that is variable and unclear. The particular influences of specific losses are also addressed. Second, the empirical issues corresponding to these generalizations are discussed as are the more substantive issues of the appraisal of the loss, the role(s) of gender, and the influence of spirituality. Finally, the application of these works are identified and framed in the context of later life bereavement.