Chronic/Prolonged Grief is maladaptive when which behavior occurs?

Chronic/Prolonged Grief is maladaptive when which behavior occurs?

• A. They express gratitude and move on quickly.
• B. They seek support from friends and family.
• C. They engage in behaviors aimed at keeping the lost loved one alive or preventing ADLs.
• D. They resume normal functioning.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that chronic or prolonged grief becomes maladaptive when it severely disrupts a person’s ability to function. Keeping the lost loved one “alive” through magical thinking or continuing to prevent basic daily activities shows a persistent, immersive fixation on the deceased that blocks reality and prevents normal adaptation. This kind of behavior signals impairment in daily life and an inability to resume usual activities, which is what characterizes maladaptive grief. In contrast, expressing gratitude and moving on, seeking support from others, or gradually resuming normal functioning reflect healthier adjustment to loss. They indicate the person is integrating the loss and returning to ordinary life, even while memories remain.

The key idea is that chronic or prolonged grief becomes maladaptive when it severely disrupts a person’s ability to function. Keeping the lost loved one “alive” through magical thinking or continuing to prevent basic daily activities shows a persistent, immersive fixation on the deceased that blocks reality and prevents normal adaptation. This kind of behavior signals impairment in daily life and an inability to resume usual activities, which is what characterizes maladaptive grief.

In contrast, expressing gratitude and moving on, seeking support from others, or gradually resuming normal functioning reflect healthier adjustment to loss. They indicate the person is integrating the loss and returning to ordinary life, even while memories remain.