Although complicated grief (CG) following the death of a loved one has traditionally been viewed as avoidance-driven, recent research implicates approach behavior. Researchers have investigated how coping styles predict CG; however, emotional closeness remains unexamined. This study investigated the differential relationship of approach- and avoidance-focused coping on CG and depressive symptoms. Bereaved adults (n = 340) completed questionnaires about their loss, coping styles, CG, and depression. Results suggest that approach-, but not avoidance-, focused coping mediates the relationship of emotional closeness on CG, while emotional closeness of the relationship had no direct impact on depressive symptoms. This suggests closeness of the relationship plays a unique role in CG.
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