Which of the following individuals is most likely experiencing a delay

QUESTION

Which of the following individuals is most likely experiencing a delayed grief reaction?

a. A 22-year-old army pilot on leave from the Iraq war who talks about the death of his crew member
b. A 93-year-old women, whose husband of 73 years died 1 year ago, who reminisces about their life together
c. A 54-year-old man suffering from alcoholism who just completed a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation talking about the death of his wife 3 years ago
d. A child whose parents were divorced 3 months ago and is acting out at school

ANSWER:

ANS: C
Eric Lindemann pioneered the concepts of grief work based on interviews with bereaved persons suffering a sudden tragic loss. He described patterns of grief and the physical and emotional changes that accompany significant losses. Lindemann observed that grief can occur immediately after a loss, or it can be delayed. When symptoms of grief are exaggerated or absent, it is considered pathologic or complicated grief. People experiencing complicated grief may require psychologic treatment to resolve their grief and move into life again. The pilot is talking about the death; there is no evidence symptoms of grief are absent. Anniversaries will often trigger memories. Children often show regressive behavior, anger, or fear in response to the loss of a parent.