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Neimeyer Meaning Reconstruction Theory — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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HardBereavementNeimeyer Meaning Reconstruction TheorySCE Palliative Medicine

A widower says, “I am still her husband, but I need to learn who I am now.” Which therapeutic response best applies meaning-reconstruction work?

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Correct answer: B — Integrate the loss and continuing bond into an evolving personal identity

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · A = shown as E

C is correct. Meaning reconstruction helps a bereaved person make sense of loss, integrate it into the life narrative and rebuild identity and purpose while potentially maintaining a transformed continuing bond. It is not a demand to return to the old self, a forensic reconstruction of events or replacement of the person who died. Continuing bonds can be adaptive; the clinician follows the person’s culture and language while assessing risk and functional impairment.

Reference: NICE NG142 end-of-life service delivery: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng142/chapter/Recommendations