The American journal of psychiatry
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The aim of this study was to describe the intensity of grief, the psychosocial morbidity, and the coping patterns in members of families classified according to a typology of family functioning comprising supportive, conflict-resolving, intermediate, sullen, and hostile classes. ⋯ More intense grief and greater psychosocial morbidity are found in sullen, hostile, and intermediate bereaved families than in the more adaptive supportive and conflict-resolving types. At-risk families are identifiable and could be treated preventively to reduce morbidity.
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The aim of this study was to identify patterns of family functioning in adult families after the death of a parent. ⋯ Family types can be identified, allowing at-risk families to be helped to prevent complications of grief. Screening with the family relationship index of the Family Environment Scale would facilitate such a family-centered approach.