University of Twente Student Theses
How do demographic factors and the relationship to the deceased associate with the intensity of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) among bereaved individuals?
Grob, E.S. (2025) How do demographic factors and the relationship to the deceased associate with the intensity of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) among bereaved individuals?
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| Abstract: | Introduction: The loss of a loved one may lead to intense grief reactions. While most individuals adapt to their loss over time, some people experience intense and persistent grief that impairs daily functioning, known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). Identifying grievers at risk of PGD may allow for targeted prevention measures. The current study investigated the association between demographic and loss-related variables on PGD intensity in a large data sample. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 13,779 participants were analysed. All participants completed the Traumatic Grief Inventory, Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+), a validated measure for assessing grief symptoms, also providing demographic and loss-related information. PGD intensity was calculated using 10 items from the TGI-SR+. Descriptive statistics and normality tests were conducted, followed by correlation analyses, Pearson's correlation, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the combined effect of these factors on PGD intensity. Results: After applying the exclusion criteria, the final sample consisted of 4,566 participants (81% women, M = 52.26 years, SD = 15.49), with a mean PGD intensity score of 33.55 (SD = 7.25). PGD intensity was significantly higher among participants who lost a loved one due to murder or manslaughter than those in all other groups (p < .001). Participants in the “other” cause of death group reported significantly higher PGD intensity than those who lost someone to physical illness (p = .019). Participants who lost a child reported significantly higher PGD intensity than all other groups (p < .001). Participants who lost a partner reported significantly higher PGD intensity than those who lost a parent (p < .001). Time since loss showed a weak but significant negative correlation with PGD intensity (r = −0.071, p < .001). Gender and age were not significantly associated with PGD intensity. The regression models explained 2.9% of the variance in PGD intensity. Conclusion: This study found that PGD intensity was highest among participants who had lost a child, partner, or loved one to murder/manslaughter or other causes. PGD intensity slightly declined with time since loss and age, while gender showed no significant association. Although the findings were statistically significant, they explained only a small proportion of the variance, suggesting that other psychological or contextual factors also contribute to PGD intensity. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106328 |
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