How qualities of the conjugal relationship influence grief trajectories for midlife adults: A study of dependency and attachment

The death of a loved one touches nearly every individual at some point in their life and is an extraordinarily difficult experience. However, there is marked variability in how people respond to loss. In order to better understand the role of individual differences in bereavement, aspects of interpersonal functioning have been the focus of a number of studies. Accumulating research suggest that both attachment style and interpersonal dependency (the tendency to look to others for guidance and support, even when autonomous functioning is feasible) predict bereavement outcome among midlife adults. However, no study to date has examined the possibility that these two related constructs predict unique domains of functioning in the aftermath of the loss of a loved one. To test this association, this dissertation examines the relationship between dependency and prolonged grief while controlling for attachment dimensions among three matched groups: prolonged grievers, asymptomatically bereaved adults, and a married comparison group. Findings indicate that dependency predicts outcome among individuals who have lost a spouse, even when controlling for attachment style. This suggests that these two aspects of interpersonal functioning independently influence adjustment to the loss of a loved one. Dependency relations may provide unique information regarding resilience and coping at midlife, beyond that derived from adult attachment style. Thus, assessment of dependency in the context of bereavement may be useful in developing interventions to address symptoms associated with prolonged grief.