There is evidence that the grief in __________ bereavement may be more intense and last longer than grief from other types of losses.

• A. SIDS
• B. Suicide
• C. AIDS
• D. Stillbirth

Answer: (B)

Grief varies with the type of loss, and suicide bereavement tends to produce more intense and longer-lasting distress because survivors often carry guilt and self-blame for not preventing the death, along with lingering questions about what could have been done. The social stigma surrounding suicide can also isolate survivors and reduce essential support at a vulnerable time. This combination of sudden loss, perceived responsibility, and reduced social backing can lead to persistent yearning, intrusive thoughts, and difficulties accepting the reality of the death—features that align with prolonged or complicated grief. While losses like SIDS, AIDS-related deaths, or stillbirth are deeply painful, they don’t typically involve the same pervasive mix of guilt, stigma, and questions of preventability, which is why suicide bereavement is often more intense and longer-lasting.