Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What best describes the emotional effects of complicated grief?

1. Detachment and numbness

2. Emotional stability and acceptance

3. Yearning and persistent sorrow

4. Rapid recovery and moving on

The correct answer is: Yearning and persistent sorrow

Complicated grief is characterized by an intense and prolonged feeling of grief that disrupts an individual's ability to move forward after a loss. Yearning and persistent sorrow effectively describe these emotional effects because they capture the deep longing for the deceased and the ongoing pain associated with the loss. This type of grief often includes feelings of emptiness, profound sadness, and an inability to accept the reality of the loss, which goes beyond the typical grieving process. Individuals experiencing complicated grief may find it challenging to engage in daily activities, and they often feel as if they are stuck in their grief. This state of persistent sorrow reflects a struggle with accepting the loss and a yearning for the deceased that can manifest in many ways, including frequent thoughts of the person, difficulty moving past reminders, and a consistent feeling of longing. Thus, the notion of yearning and persistent sorrow aligns closely with the emotional experience encountered in complicated grief.