Which condition involves persistent sorrow and functional impairment following a loss, and is addressed in grief counseling?

• A. Grief; abnormal or complicated grief may require special intervention
• B. Acute distress
• C. Traumatic grief
• D. Denial of loss

Answer: (A)

Persistent sorrow and impairment after a loss describes grief that has become abnormal or complicated. Grief itself is the natural response to bereavement, but when the sorrow persists and interferes with daily functioning over an extended period, it may be labeled abnormal or complicated grief. Grief counseling focuses on this pattern, helping the person process the loss, re-engage in life, and reduce distress.

Acute distress refers to the immediate, short-term emotional reaction to a loss and isn’t inherently long-lasting or functionally impairing in the way abnormal grief is. Traumatic grief involves a death tied to a violent or particularly distressing event, which can worsen grief but isn’t the general description of persistent impairment. Denial of loss is an early defense mechanism that may occur soon after the loss and does not by itself capture ongoing impairment or a prolonged, disabling response.