A woman returns home after delivering a stillborn infant to find that neighbors have dismantled the nursery that she and her spouse planned. According to Worden, which indicates the effect the neighbors’ action may have on the woman's grieving task completion?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Forgetting sorrow is not a realistic or healthy goal in grief work. Suppressing grief can lead to complicated mourning. The dismantling of the nursery may actually prevent the woman from processing her loss fully. Choice B reason: According to Worden’s tasks of mourning, accepting the reality of the loss is the first task. Removing the nursery without the woman’s involvement may deprive her of the opportunity to confront and process the loss, thereby hindering acceptance. Choice C reason: While looking to the future is part of later grief tasks, it cannot be forced. Prematurely removing reminders of the baby may feel invalidating and disrupt the natural grieving process. Choice D reason: Although the neighbors may have intended to help, their actions may not be perceived as supportive. Grief is personal, and dismantling the nursery without consent may feel intrusive or dismissive.