The term ____________ refers to grieving that occurs prior to the actual loss.

• A. Sudden loss
• B. Anticipatory grief
• C. Unspeakable loss
• D. Role rehearsal

Answer: (B)

Anticipatory grief is grieving that begins before the actual loss. When a loved one is facing a terminal illness or an imminent departure, people may start to mourn in advance, processing the impending separation, making sense of life without that person, and saying final goodbyes. This preparation can help with emotional adjustment, planning practical matters, and easing the transition after the loss. It’s different from grief that happens after the loss, which is bereavement. The other options don’t capture pre-loss grieving: a sudden loss describes how the event occurs rather than the emotional response, unspeakable loss isn’t a standard term for this concept, and role rehearsal refers to practicing caregiving tasks, not grieving.