Paul Boelen
Winner Dissertation Prize 2006
Dissertation
Complicated Grief. Assessment, Theory, and Treatment
Supervisors: Prof. dr J. van den Bout, Prof. dr M.A. van den Hout
Nomination: University Utrecht, Faculty of Social Sciences
Report by the selection committee
Complicated grief is not an official diagnostic category. However, it is recognized in practice in situations where people appear not to be able to overcome grief at a loss. In the first place a researcher should determine if and how complicated grief can be discerned from fear, depression or post-traumatic stress. How can the occurrence of complicated grief be explained and what is the best way to treat the disorder? Pathogenesis, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, a long logical sequence, seldom found in a study like this.
