From a sociological standpoint, bereavement is viewed as a social process that is shaped by cultural norms, social expectations, and societal support systems.

Functionalism posits that social support serves as a crucial mechanism for individuals to cope with bereavement by providing emotional, practical, and informational resources.

Grief work involves the emotional and psychological process of coming to terms with a loss, which includes expressing and processing emotions such as sadness, anger, and guilt.

Limited access to professional support and resources, such as bereavement counseling services, can hinder the grieving process and contribute to prolonged and complicated grief.

Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person's grief is not recognized or validated by society, often due to societal norms or expectations.

Symbolic Interactionism focuses on the interactions between individuals and their social networks, highlighting how these interactions influence the grieving process and the expression of grief.

Ambiguous loss occurs when an individual experiences the psychological absence of a loved one who is still physically present, often due to conditions such as dementia or prolonged illness.

Individuals who have experienced multiple or significant losses in the past may be more vulnerable to complicated grief.

Secondary loss refers to the indirect losses that may accompany the death of a loved one, such as the loss of social status, reputation, or financial security.

Functionalism posits that cultural norms and rituals provide a framework for individuals to express and cope with grief, helping to maintain social order and stability.

Anticipatory grief is the emotional response that occurs in anticipation of the impending death of a loved one.

Strong social support networks can provide individuals with emotional, practical, and informational resources that can facilitate the grieving process and reduce the risk of complicated grief.

Bereavement overload occurs when an individual experiences multiple significant losses in a short period of time, leading to an overwhelming sense of grief and difficulty coping.

Conflict Theory posits that social class and economic inequality can influence the grieving process, as individuals from marginalized groups may face additional challenges and barriers in coping with bereavement.

Complicated grief is characterized by persistent and severe grief symptoms that significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life.