Year

2021

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

School of Psychology

Abstract

Ambiguous loss is an uncertain loss that occurs without closure or clear understanding. The ambiguous loss experienced by those left behind when a person is missing places them at heightened risk of developing prolonged grief disorder as well as posttraumatic stress and other psychological difficulties. Limited research has examined coping processes and mechanisms of therapeutic change in grief and other psychological symptoms among individuals with a missing loved one. Drawing on components of several theoretical frameworks, this thesis comprises five studies which aim to explore psychological processes that may influence post-disappearance psychological outcomes.

FoR codes (2008)

1701 PSYCHOLOGY, 1702 COGNITIVE SCIENCE, 1799 OTHER PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES

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Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.