Question

According to Pauline Boss, ambiguous loss is different from other losses in that ________.

1) it is a physical loss
2) it is a financial loss
3) it is a loss of a loved one
4) it is a loss that lacks closure

Answer 1

Ambiguous loss, as defined by Pauline Boss, is a type of loss that stands out due to its lack of closure, often leading to unresolved grief and perpetual uncertainty.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Pauline Boss, ambiguous loss is different from other losses in that it is a loss that lacks closure. Ambiguous loss is unique because it occurs without the certainty or finality that typically accompanies more concrete losses, such as a death where the body is present. This type of loss can lead to unresolved grief since there is no clear resolution or understanding of what has happened to the loved one, be it due to disappearance, mental illness, or situations where the physical presence is absent but the person is still psychologically present, or vice versa. Ambiguous loss can occur in situations such as when a loved one goes missing, when a relationship ends without clear closure, or when someone has a chronic illness or dementia and their identity becomes less clear.