Identifying and Categorizing Spiritual Factors in Studies on Grief and Pathological Grief: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Qom.

2 Professor, Department of Psychology, Institute of Seminary and University, Qom, Iran (Corresponding Author).

3 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Qom

10.30471/psy.2024.10200.2250

Abstract

Extended Abstract
 
Introduction and Objectives: The loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging human experiences, often accompanied by significant physical, psychological, and social consequences (Abbasi Mokvand et al., 2023). While many individuals navigate the grieving process naturally (Kowalski & Bondmass, 2008), some bereaved individuals develop Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), which has recently been introduced as a new diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). This condition is characterized by symptoms such as yearning, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts about the deceased (Lenferink et al., 2023). The prevalence of PGD is estimated to range between 1.2% and 1.5% (Rosner et al., 2021).Psychological and social factors such as the circumstances of death, social support, coping styles, and the meaning attributed to the loss play significant roles in the severity and management of grief (Kristensen et al., 2012), (Gallagher et al., 1982), (Wilson et al., 2016). Spirituality is also recognized as a key element in managing grief. Research indicates that spiritual and religious beliefs can help individuals cope with loss by reducing anxiety, fostering meaning-making, and providing a positive outlook on death (Pentaraki et al., 2023), (Testoni et al., 2022).However, there is a noticeable lack of a coherent categorization of spiritual factors related to grief in the research literature. This gap is significant because a comprehensive identification of these factors can aid in designing effective spiritual interventions and provide practical solutions for better grief management. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic review of spiritual factors associated with grief and their role in mitigating negative outcomes and improving the psychological well-being of bereaved individuals.
Methodology: This study, aimed at identifying and categorizing spiritual factors influencing grief and pathological grief, was conducted as a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines (Moher et al., 2009). Relevant articles were retrieved from databases such as SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and ERIC, using keywords like “mourning,” “spirituality therapy,” “bereavement,” and “grief spiritual.” Inclusion criteria comprised access to full texts, direct thematic relevance to spiritual factors associated with grief, and publication in reputable, indexed journals, with no restrictions on time frame or geography to ensure broader coverage. Articles were excluded if they suffered from data deficiencies, weak research design, or low quality. Out of 157 identified articles, 82 were excluded due to insufficient relevance. Following a detailed review of the remaining 71 articles, 29 were further excluded due to inappropriate content or lack of full-text access, leaving 23 articles for final analysis. The quality of these articles was assessed using standard tools like the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines (Piper, 2019). All stages of the study were conducted under the strict supervision of academic advisors to minimize bias and maintain transparency in results, providing a robust framework for identifying spiritual factors associated with grief that can inform effective future therapeutic interventions.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that various spiritual factors play a role in facilitating grief and fostering personal growth afterward. Facilitating factors include accepting death as an inevitable part of life (Wortman & Park, 2008), belief in God as a spiritual refuge and secure attachment to Him (Mousavi & Salimi-Bojestani, 2017), and faith in divine providence (Namati-Pour & Golzari, 2014). Patience and reliance on God during hardships (Jafari, 2020), as well as spiritual coping mechanisms such as prayer and meditation (Dyer & Hagedorn, 2013)], help reduce anxiety and promote peace. Spiritual health also contributes to managing stigma, guilt, and self-blame, while enhancing resilience (Chalakinia et al., 2020); (Sagberg et al., 2011). Participation in religious activities and receiving social support strengthen the sense of belonging and facilitate the mourning process [ (Mehdipour et al., 2020). Factors enabling personal growth after grief include finding new meaning in life and death (Wortman & Park, 2008), rethinking and making sense of losses (Jafari, 2020)], strengthening faith in God’s wisdom and benevolence (Namati-Pour & Golzari, 2014), religious worldviews (Damianakis & Marziali, 2012), and cognitive restructuring and spiritual transformation (Marone, 1999). These spiritual factors help reduce the negative impacts of grief and create opportunities for spiritual and cognitive rebuilding, ultimately enhancing the mental health and personal growth of the bereaved.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of this research highlighted the pivotal role of spirituality in facilitating mourning and fostering psychological and spiritual growth in bereaved individuals. By comprehensively examining spiritual factors related to grief and pathological grief, the study aimed to clarify the significant role of spirituality in the mourning process. The results demonstrated that spirituality not only mitigates the negative effects of grief but also serves as a powerful tool for personal and spiritual growth. Adopting a multidimensional spiritual therapy approach, particularly one grounded in principles of the Qur’an and religious traditions [ (Janbozorgi, 2019)], enables a more precise understanding of these factors. Such an approach activates divinely guided reasoning and adds meaning to suffering, helping individuals perceive grief not merely as a painful experience but as an opportunity for spiritual and psychological reconstruction. For instance, accepting death as a natural part of life and understanding divine wisdom can reduce anxiety associated with grief, allowing individuals to find peace. Additionally, spiritual coping mechanisms such as prayer and meditation strengthen one’s connection to God and promote psychological tranquility. Reevaluating the meaning of life and death and engaging in cognitive restructuring provide opportunities for spiritual and personal growth. The findings suggest that spiritual factors can significantly enhance grief management and improve the psychological and spiritual well-being of individuals. However, further research is necessary to explore the effectiveness of these approaches in different cultural contexts and perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role of spirituality in the mourning process.
Acknowledgments: At the conclusion of this study, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and utmost respect to my esteemed mentors, Dr. Masoud Janbozorgi and Dr. Hassan Mirzahsseini, for their precise guidance, unwavering support, and for sharing their invaluable knowledge and experiences throughout this research. Their constant presence and tireless assistance played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing this paper, and achieving the desired outcomes would not have been possible without their continued encouragement.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no financial, professional, or personal conflicts of interest related to this study. All stages of the research were conducted with adherence to principles of impartiality and scientific transparency

Keywords

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Studies in Islam and Psychology
Volume 19, Issue 39 - Serial Number 39
January 2026
Pages 201-240

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