Structural model of stable complex grief among bereaved people due to corona based on differentiation focusing on the mediating role of anger rumination and loneliness

The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of anger rumination and feelings of loneliness in the relationship between differentiation and persistent complex grief caused by Corona. The research utilized a descriptive-correlation method with path analysis. The statistical population comprised all bereaved individuals due to Corona in Tehran, who lost a family member to Covid-19 in 1400-1401. The sample selection involved randomizing the first three hospitals in Tehran, followed by a purposeful selection of 300 individuals who met the entry criteria. Measurement tools included the complex grief questionnaire (ICG, Pregerson & Masichevsky, 1995), differentiation of self (DSI, Skorn & Smith, 2003), anger rumination (ARS, Sakodolski, 2001), and loneliness (UCLA, Russell, 1993). Data analysis was conducted using path analysis. Regression results for the proposed model indicated a good fit, with 53% of the changes in persistent complex grief explained by differentiation, anger rumination, and loneliness. The direct coefficients of the model revealed that differentiation, anger rumination, and loneliness significantly influenced persistent complex grief (P<0.05). Moreover, differentiation exerted an indirect effect on persistent complex grief through both anger rumination and loneliness (P<0.05). In conclusion, the model for predicting persistent complex grief among bereaved individuals due to Corona, based on differentiation and considering the mediating roles of anger rumination and feelings of loneliness, demonstrated a favorable fit.