Definition of Grief
As was outlined in the research proposal, definitions of grief often use terms such as ‘deep sorrow’ or ‘sadness and suffering’. Lofland defines grief as a “response to the involuntary loss through death of a human being who is viewed as significant by the actor of reference”, stating that grief seems inherently connected with basic human attachment and social bonds (1985, p. 172). She goes on to look particularly at the symptomology of grief, however, at notes the diverse physical and mental reactions to grief, at least in British and American accounts, noting weeping, despair and other responses (Lofland, 1985, p. 172). In relation to death, the terms grief and mourning are often conceived as being interchangeable, an
As was outlined in the research proposal, definitions of grief often use terms such as ‘deep sorrow’ or ‘sadness and suffering’. Lofland defines grief as a “response to the involuntary loss through death of a human being who is viewed as significant by the actor of reference”, stating that grief seems inherently connected with basic human attachment and social bonds (1985, p. 172). She goes on to look particularly at the symptomology of grief, however, at notes the diverse physical and mental reactions to grief, at least in British and American accounts, noting weeping, despair and other responses (Lofland, 1985, p. 172). In relation to death, the terms grief and mourning are often conceived as being interchangeable, an