Meaning Reconstruction and the Experience of Loss

Niemeyer, R. (2001). Meaning Reconstruction and the Experience of Loss. Washington DC.: American Psychological Association

Reviewed by: Ann Laverty, University of Calgary

Meaning Reconstruction and the Experience of Loss offers a refreshing look at bereavement and loss studies. Traditionally, work in these areas has focused on symptoms, stage theories, and different types of loss experiences. This text does not rehash that work, but rather describes current conceptualizations and speculates on future directions. Robert Neimeyer and over two dozen contributors provide complex perspectives on loss as a meaning-making process and strengthen the link between counselling theory and the experience of loss.

Part One of the text presents arguments for the need to re-conceptualize psychoanalytic and stage models of loss to account for postmodern realities. Issues addressed include mourning as unique...