Cases are described in which 'presences' or 'energies' were experienced as part of relinquishing attachments to lost persons. The evidence does not support any ready 'scientific' account; and it is emphasized that such experiences should be recognized and not discounted for lack of a clear theoretical explanation. (Author)

Investigated attitudes of bereaved individuals toward selected funeral practices. Correlated sex, closeness to deceased, and religious preference to timing of the death, viewing at funeral home and location of funeral service. Found closeness of relationship to deceased emerged as a significant variable in assessing attitudes toward certain…

Reported the stress and coping experience of community volunteers who counseled dying clients and their families. Volunteers most frequently reported turning to themselves or to the client when distressed, also to peers, friends, and family. A common role-defined purpose was significant in stress response and coping. (Author)

Attempts to identify and describe perceived stress and coping responses of family and nonfamily significant others of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Significant others were asked to identify stressful events related to treatment factors, relationship factors, and perception of the patient's condition. Coping responses were categorized in…

Explores the social nature of denial and the functionality of denial in preserving relationships threatened by knowledge of terminal illness. Asserts that denial serves to forestall social withdrawal by the patient and his/her social circle, as well as promoting role enactments necessary to medical treatment. (Author)

Examined how parents grieve loss of a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth. Interviewed 26 couples 2 weeks after a perinatal loss. Ethnographic content analysis revealed 12 themes closely related to resources, meaning of the stressful event, and coping strategies, all of which are elements, of Hill's ABC-X stress model. (JBJ)

Studied whether memories of deceased play active roles in ongoing lives of survivors. Seventy-one people described a significant death. Four roles were reliably identified and labeled role model, situation specific guidance, values clarification, and remembrance formation. Role adoption was predicted by closeness of relationship and suddenness of…