De mate van verwachtheid en de strafmaat en hun psychische implicaties bij nabestaanden
Summary
The loss of a loved one is considered an impactful event. To explore possible determinants of psychological distress after bereavement a survey was conducted with bereaved individuals, either by a natural cause or murder. Hypothesized was that an unexpected death correlates with more severe psychological distress. Individuals, bereaved after an unexpected death report more severe grief specific distress. There were no differences in general psychological complaints between the groups. The loss of a loved one could become even more stressful when dealing with a murder. Hypothesized was that when the killer is not convicted (yet) more severe psychological complaints were reported. Also, hypothesized was that when the bereaved regarded the sentence as being too lenient more severe psychological complaints were reported as well. Both of the hypotheses could not be supported. Thus, it appears to make no difference whether the perpetrator is convicted or not. Likewise, it makes no difference whether the sentence is considered appropriate or too lenient.