ABSTRACT
The growing body of knowledge related to grief consists of a number of studies that illustrate bereavement leaves the survivors at higher risk for both morbidity and mortality. Increased vulnerability to illness and death is an area that demands further research; however, evidence to date appears to support a correlation between bereavement and mortality and morbidity. Dating back to 1944, Lindemann reported that mourners experience the high risk levels for seven deadly diseases: heart attack, cancers of the gastrointestinal track, high blood pressure, nuerodermatitis, rheumotoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid malfunction. In 1977, Rowland reported the results of a comprehensive review of numerous investigations documenting significant increases in illness and in death for mourners, particularly during the first six months after the death. While people still have much to learn, enough evidence exists to suggest that bereavement is a time of the increased risk in the areas of both morbidity and mortality.
