Epistemological analysis of the management of a case of bereavement after the loss of a loved one

Abstract

Psychological interventions in situations of bereavement after the loss of a loved one are a topic of common interest for the health psychologist. This professional often faces up to important demands related to death and mourning, becoming one of the most frequent professional practices. Thus, a praxis directed to quality interventions is required, guaranteeing the well-being of the mourners. To get this goal it is important to design a reflexive analysis of the daily practice from an epistemological conception of science, assuming a critical position of the reality as a way to change it. This research is aimed at analyzing, from an epistemological and dialectical viewpoint, a case of an individual in a bereavement situation following the loss of a loved one. A case study was carried out, using the psychological interview as well as the subject and accompanying family observation, to assess the real situation of bereavement in its family context. The study showed a case of healthy grieving with possible risk predictors of pathological mourning. A ten-session psychology-directed intervention was performed.

Keywords

• grief
• knowledge
• orientation
• help-seeking behavior