JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Physical Side of Grief: Physical Symptoms in Bereavement.

  • Published In: Illness, Crisis & Loss, 2026, v. 34, n. 2. P. 290 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Weeden, Crystal L.; Reilly, Nora P. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on a study examining the relationship between the type of bereavement loss and the severity of physical and emotional grief symptoms. Specifically, it compares symptomology in individuals who experienced an out-of-order loss (death before age 55) versus a natural life progression loss (death after age 80). Results indicate that those grieving an out-of-order loss report significantly greater physiological symptoms—including cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and general distress—as well as more intense past and present grief reactions than those experiencing natural life progression losses. The study highlights the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk for severe grief responses to better inform support and treatment.

Additional Information

  • Source:Illness, Crisis & Loss. 2026/04, Vol. 34, Issue 2, p290
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1054-1373
  • DOI:10.1177/10541373251323206
  • Accession Number:192177245
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Illness, Crisis & Loss is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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