Question

A person whose spouse died 2 years earlier tells friends, I think I'll begin to go out socially, maybe even take someone to dinner. This comment best demonstrates that the individual is:

a. denying the significance of the loss.
b. in a period of resolution of grief.
c. actively working through grief.
d. experiencing intrusion.

Answer 1

The individual expressing a wish to go out socially represents b) a period of resolution of grief, indicating they are adapting to their loss and ready for new social interactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The comment made by the person whose spouse died 2 years earlier, expressing a desire to go out socially and maybe take someone to dinner, best illustrates that the individual is in a period of resolution of grief. This suggests that the person is beginning to adjust and adapt to the loss of their spouse and is now ready to re-engage with social activities and potentially form new relationships.

This phase follows the well-known Kübler-Ross model's five stages of grief, which are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It is important to note that the grieving process is highly individual, and people can experience these stages differently, with varying intensities and durations.

Additionally, factors like gender may influence how a person experiences and responds to the loss of a spouse, as men often depend more on their wives for emotional support and regular care, whereas women might experience a newfound sense of independence.