Grief intensity, coping and psychological health among family members and friends following a terrorist attack

Abstract

This study investigates the association of psychological health with grief intensity and coping style among family members and friends of terror victims. The data was collected from 164 bereaved individuals, on average, 18 months after the bombings occurred. The results demonstrated the significant role of problem-focused social support, and religious coping in dealing with grief intensity and contributing to the psychological health. The findings may be of considerable importance in therapeutic situations by providing direction for coping with both the effects of traumatic event and a traumatic loss, and for maintaining emotional stability through reworking relationships with the deceased.