The Impact of Attachment and Culture on Grief Intensity During Bereavement

Abstract

The present study investigated the impact of individualism-collectivism and adult attachment dimensions on grief intensity among bereaved who had lost someone close within the past three years. It was hypothesised that there will be cultural differences in grief intensity among those who scored high on attachment anxiety. Using samples from honor-based collectivist cultures (n = 354) and an individualistic culture (n = 106), participants completed the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Version and the Inventory of Complicated Grief. It was expected that among those who score high on attachment-anxiety, there will be significant differences in grief intensity based on their cultural background. The results showed higher grief intensity in collectivist bereaved who identified strongly with attachment anxiety, however attachment avoidance was not associated with grief intensity for both cultures. Implications based on findings, and limitations were discussed.