Patterns, predictors, and prognostic validity of persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) symptoms in recently bereaved adults: A latent class analysis

Abstract

Persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) entered DSM-5. No studies have yet examined the nature, prevalence, prognostic validity, and underlying mechanisms of PCBD symptom-patterns in recently bereaved people. Knowledge on these issues could improve the early identification and treatment of disturbed grief. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups characterized by different PCBD symptompatterns among recently (≤6 months) bereaved adults (N = 476). In a subgroup (N = 251) we assessed associations of class-membership with PCBD-severity and functional impairment assessed three years later. Associations between classmembership and socio-demographic and cognitive-behavioral variables were also examined. We identified a Resilient (50.0%), Separation Distress (36.1%), and High PCBD Symptoms (13.9%) Class. Class-membership had prognostic value as evidenced by associations with PCBD-severity and functional impairment assessed three years later. Deaths of partners/children, unexpectedness of the loss, and maladaptive cognitions and avoidance behaviors were also associated with membership of the pervasive symptom classes.