Which finding would most strongly indicate risk for abnormal grief after a loved one's death?

• A. Cannot express feelings
• B. Dying patient restless
• C. Divorce in the family
• D. Family reassures the patient frequently

Answer: (A)

Not being able to express feelings after a loved one dies signals a high risk for abnormal or complicated grief because healthy mourning relies on acknowledging and sharing sorrow, fears, and other emotions. When emotions are not communicated, the bereaved may be less able to access social support and work through the loss, increasing the likelihood of lingering, intense, or disabling grief. In contrast, distress in the dying patient reflects the patient’s experience rather than the bereaved’s processing; a divorce in the family could reduce available support but is not as direct a predictor; and frequent reassurance from family is generally protective, helping the bereaved cope.