There are various types of grief…
- Abbreviated Grief – when grief appears to last for a shorter period of time than expected.
- Absent Grief – when grief does not occur as expected.
- Acute Grief – when sudden, overwhelming grief comes upon a person.
- Anticipatory Grief – when grief begins before the loss actually occurs.
- Compound Grief – when multiple losses occur at or within the same period of time.
- Conflicted Grief – when grief is exaggerated and expressed beyond normal expectations.
- Delayed Grief – when grief is not addressed immediately, but rather is “bottled up” (sometimes for years!).
- Disenfranchised Grief – when the loss is not openly recognized by society.
- Normal Grief – when grief follows the emotional responses that are commonly experienced by others.
- Unanticipated Grief – when the loss occurs suddenly and renders the individual unable to grasp the fullness of the loss.
- Unresolved Grief – when grief is not resolved.
For further explanation of the various types of grief, consult Dr. Baker’s workbook, Equipping the Church with Grief Ministry Skills: A Grief Ministry Skills Workbook, especially Chapter One: “Theoretical Foundations of Grief.”
GEC (Grief Education Center) 