Myths and Misconceptions about Bereavement: The Opening of a Debate

Abstract

Assumptions about coping with bereavement were called into question some years ago by Wortman and Silver, who argued that many beliefs have been adhered to by researchers and theoreticians in the area, sometimes contrary to empirical evidence [1]. Their paper has been widely cited, and their conclusions taken as representative of the current state of knowledge. The purpose of this article is to encourage discussion of Wortman and Silver's conclusions, to examine empirical evidence and the claims of other researchers. Our conclusions contrast with many of those of the previous review. Certain so-called assumptions have not been generally made by researchers. For other assumptions, evidence has sometimes been misinterpreted. Finally, some beliefs are indeed the subject of continuing controversy. Thus, Wortman and Silver themselves seem to create myths about coping that they set out to criticize. Implications for the scientific study of the phenomena of bereavement are considered.