The mediating role of defence mechanisms on unfinished business in bereavement and posttraumatic growth

Depending on the quality of the relationship with the deceased and the characteristics of the loss, the mourner may feel that there are unfinished issues with the deceased. Thus, the grieving process can be more severe. Research on the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth claims that people may experience positive changes in several domains. Defence mechanisms protect the individual from extreme anxiety and negative emotions, and they may contribute to growth. The thesis examines the mediating role of defences on the relationship between unfinished business in bereavement and posttraumatic growth. The sample consisted of 340 participants who had experienced a loss of a loved one during the last 6 months to 10 years. Their levels of unfinished business, defence mechanisms, and growth were assessed by means of Unfinished Business in Bereavement Scale Brief Form, Defence Style Questionnaire, and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. As a result, there was no significant indirect relationship between unfinished business and growth through defence mechanisms. Limitations and suggestions for future research were presented.