Describing Grief Under Cyclical Versus Linear Conceptions of Time

Abstract

Priming linear versus cyclical conceptions of time influences affective forecasts and descriptions of grief. Relative to a linear or static prime, a cyclical prime prompted predictions of shorter grief duration, reliance on cyclical language, characterization of recovery as return to routine, and reduced characterization of the bereaved person as passive. To contrast, a linear prime uniquely prompted spatiotemporal metaphors, advising against pressure to “move forward” too soon.