The loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences that most of us will ever have to face in our lives. This book recognises that there is no single solution to the problems of bereavement but that an understanding of grief can help the bereaved to realise that they are not alone in their experience.

Long recognised as the most authoritative work of its kind, this new edition has been revised and extended to take into account recent research findings on both sides of the Atlantic. Parkes and Prigerson include additional information about the different circumstances of bereavement including traumatic losses, disasters, and complicated grief, as well as providing details on how social, religious, and cultural influences determine how we grieve.

Bereavement provides guidance on preparing for the loss of a loved one, and coping after they have gone. It also discusses how to identify the minority in whom bereavement may lead to impairment of physical and/or mental health and how to ensure they get the help they need. This classic text will continue to be of value to the bereaved themselves, as well as the professionals and friends who seek to help and understand them.

About the Author

Colin Murray Parkes is Consultant psychiatrist Emeritus at St Christopher's Hospice and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist to the Royal London Hospital and the Tavistock Clinic, London. He is Life President of Cruse Bereavement Care and in 1996 was awarded an OBE for services to bereaved people.

Holly Prigerson is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Director, Centre for Psycho-oncology & Palliative Care Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA.

Reviews

"What makes this text unique is the writing ability of the author. Parkes, an obviously passionate researcher and practitioner, is able to weave eloquent verses on personal struggle with the more factual explanations of research-based studies on similar topics. The end result is a book that appeals to researchers, practitioners, and those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one. His simultaneous ability to draw out the painful emotions of grief and the realistic information resentation from respected scholars makes Bereavement an easy recommendation for anyone interested in learning more about this topic." - Kelly A. Kagawa-Tabay, Activities, Adaptation & Ageing, Vol 35, 2011

'I have been reading and learning from Colin Parkes' work on death, grief, and loss for more than a half century. During that time Parkes has emerged as the predominant world authority on the nature and consequences of bereavement' - Robert Jay Lifton, From the Foreword

"Prigerson has brought her expertise in modern research methods and statistical analyses to the joint project, resulting in a book that is up-to-date, authoritative and enriched by the intergrational combination of an elder and a younger member of the tribe. I hope that readers and colleagues will be awarded with many more editions of this important work." - Ruth Malkinson, Bereavement Care Journal, 2011

Book Information
ISBN 9780415451185
Author Colin Murray Parkes
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 589g