>[!abstract] >The dual process model of bereavement, developed by Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut ([[Stroebe & Schut, 1999]]), describes an adaptive coping process where individuals oscillate between Loss-Oriented (LO) stressors, which involve processing the intense grief and memories of the deceased, and Restoration-Oriented (RO) stressors, which require adapting to the new realities and demands of life without the person. Effective coping involves balancing these two processes, including taking a "dosage of grieving" or breaks from each type of stressor to adapt to both the loss and the changed circumstances. ## Loss-Oriented (LO) coping This phase focuses on the grief and emotional aspects of the loss:  - **Confronting the loss:** Engaging with memories, reminiscing, yearning, and crying. - **Emotional processing:** Working through the pain, resistance to change, and the need to grapple with the reality of the death. ## Restoration-Oriented (RO) coping This phase focuses on adapting to the new demands and challenges of everyday life after the loss:  - **New life roles:** Taking on new responsibilities, such as childcare, financial management, or finding new employment.  - **Building new connections:** Developing new friendships and social networks.  - **Engaging with new activities:** Participating in new hobbies, activities, or simply welcoming distraction from the pain of grief.  ## Oscillation and Dosage of Grieving - Oscillation: The grieving individual does not stay in one phase but moves back and forth between the two types of stressors.  - Dosage of grieving: This is the idea that effective coping involves taking breaks, or a "dosage," from intensely confronting either the loss or the new life demands. For example, someone might spend some time remembering their loved one and then switch to focusing on managing their household chores.  ## Why the Model is Important - Challenges traditional views: It moves away from the idea that one must constantly "do their grief work" and instead emphasizes flexibility.  - Explains complexity: It provides a framework to understand the complex, often contradictory, experiences of bereaved individuals. - Highlights the need for balance: Adaptive coping requires engaging with both the pain of loss and the challenges of building a new life. >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Thanatology]] >- **West** (similar): [[Kübler-Ross model]] >- **East** (different): [[Resilience theory]] >- **South** (downstream): —