Abstract:
There is a need for more insight on the interplay between resilience and its effects on grief symptomatology. The relationship between resilience, hardiness, and grief symptomatology was explored in a convenient sample of bereaved individuals (n = 114). Participants were recruited via fliers distributed on social media sites, Facebook and Twitter, and to hospices and hospitals in the southeastern state of Georgia. The participants completed the Demographics Questionnaire, Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, Resilience Scale for Adults, and Lang and Goulet Hardiness Scale. Resilience and hardiness were both inversely correlated to past grief symptomatology; however, resilience and hardiness were both positively correlated with present grief symptomatology. Closeness, Adjustment since Death, Time since Death, Death Anniversary Grief, and Type of Death were other independent variables used to fully explore past and present grief symptomatology. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that a particular component of resilience, RSA Personal Strength/Perception of Future, and hardiness, LGHS Making Sense, were good predictors of grief symptomatology. Practical application of the results suggest the resilience skills training should be included in bereavement support groups in addition to emotional support.