ANTICIPATORY GRIEF THE IMPORTANCE OF THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT IN THE PROCESS OF ANTICIPATORY GRIEF IN THE FACE OF AN EXPECTED LOSS OF THE PATIENT AND FAMILY MEMBER

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of Anticipatory Grief, an adaptive process that occurs before the actual loss and is part of mourning, manifesting symptoms similar to conventional mourning. It is influenced by individual psychological factors, interactions with terminally ill patients, and family and social dynamics. The objective is to analyze the importance of therapeutic support in anticipatory grief, both for patients and family members, in the context of clinical psychology. A qualitative methodology based on a bibliographic review was used, synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying gaps in the literature. The search included databases such as PubMed, PsycInfo, Scielo, and Google Scholar, covering publications from the last 10 years, with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The discussion highlights the complexity of anticipatory grief, the importance of understanding individual and family processes, and therapeutic strategies to promote adaptation and healthy coping with imminent loss. The results highlight the relevance of therapeutic monitoring, demonstrating the effectiveness of psychological interventions in mitigating suffering and promoting emotional resilience. The results were compared to existing theories and models, identifying patterns, divergences, and gaps, and the practical implications for mental health professionals were discussed. The literature review allowed for the recommendation of evidence-based clinical practices, in addition to identifying common patterns of reaction and adjustment in anticipatory grief, offering insights for more effective practices.