In contrast to phase and stage models of grief, Worden (1991) argued that grieving survivors must work through a series of tasks to reach resolution. Here, once again, there is no set sequence to achieving the tasks. Worden’s model has similarities to Freud’s concept of “grief work,” in that emotional investments need to be withdrawn from the deceased and reinvested in other relationships and activities. However, it differs from Freud’s in that it does not require breaking “all” bonds with the deceased. It involves modifying one’s relationship with the deceased in such a way that it remains satisfying but reflects the changed circumstances (i.e., living in the present and able to move forward). Both theories also tend to be somewhat prescriptive in nature, emphasizing what grieving individuals “should” do. According to Worden, survivors must (a) accept the reality that the loved one has died, (b) experience and work through the pain, (c) adjust to life without the deceased, and (d) reinvest in new relationships and move on with life.
Worden’s first task is for the individual to accept the reality of the loss at intellectual, emotional, and spiritual levels. Some individuals deny that the death has taken place and insist that possessions belonging to the deceased be kept exactly how they were when the death occurred. Some remove all reminders of the deceased and pretend that they never existed, whereas others employ psychic mediums to stay connected with the departed. According to Worden, individuals who have mastered this task understand that the deceased is not coming back, and thoughts have turned to, for example, hoping that the deceased will be “okay in heaven.”
The second task in Worden’s model is to identify, experience, and work through the pain of grief, and then release it. Here, bereaved individuals are able to realize that what they are feeling is normal and can understand that they will get past their pain by allowing emotions to surface. Individuals who successfully work through this task are able to talk about the deceased without feeling heavy, emotional anguish.
Worden’s third task involves accepting a new identity role and adjusting to a new life and environment without the deceased (e.g., assume responsibilities previously taken by the deceased). Thus, individuals who have achieved this task are able to negotiate everyday activities of life without the deceased (e.g., cook, pay bills, care for children).
The fourth task in Worden’s framework is to redirect some of the emotional energy invested in the deceased and reinvest it in another relationship. In this task, individuals retain an appropriate (i.e., altered) place for the deceased in their emotional life and make room for future relationships.
Reference:
Worden J. W. (1991). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental
health practitioner. New York: Springer.