Intensity of Grief and Belief in Personal Control

Much research has focused on stress and its consequences. Some studies have indicated personal control helps an individual handle stress better and remain healthier. Little research, however, has examined the role personal control plays in bereavement as a stressful life event This correlational study examined the relationship between belief in personal control and grief intensity experienced from losing a loved one to death. Volunteer subjects primarily from Grief Support Groups completed the Belief in Personal Control Scale and the Texas Revised Grief Inventory Results demonstrated some instances when higher belief in personal control resulted in lower intensity of grief in the present, when variables of time since death and mode of death were considered Lack of belief in personal control was shown to be a risk factor for poor outcome in some instances