Psychological factors and prosociality as determinants in grief reactions: Proposals for an integrative perspective in palliative care

The loss of a close family member is assumed to be one of the most stressful experiences. Some people such as family caregivers of patients in palliative care are more at risk of developing a disorder named Prolonged Grief Disorder. Bereavement theories identifying hypothetical stages of mourning have left unanswered many important questions. This article proposes the importance of taking together psychological factors and prosociality as determinants of grief reactions among family caregivers.