Understanding the Dual Process Model of Grief: A Balanced Approach to Healing
Grief is a natural and complex response to loss, and throughout history, various theories have sought to explain how people process and cope with it. One of the most comprehensive and adaptable models is the Dual Process Model of Grief, developed by psychologists Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut in the 1990s. This model presents a dynamic approach to grieving, acknowledging that people oscillate between confronting their loss and engaging in restorative activities. Unlike linear models, such as the five stages of grief by Kübler-Ross, the Dual Process Model recognizes that grief is not a straightforward path but a fluctuating experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the core principles of the Dual Process Model, how it differs from other grief theories, its practical applications, and how it can help individuals navigate their personal grief journey.
What is the Dual Process Model of Grief?
The Dual Process Model (DPM) of grief suggests that grieving individuals navigate two distinct but interconnected processes:
Loss-Oriented Coping – This involves confronting and processing grief-related emotions, such as sadness, longing, anger, or despair. It includes actions like reminiscing about the deceased, crying, talking about the loss, or engaging in rituals such as funerals and memorials.
Restoration-Oriented Coping – This focuses on adapting to life without the deceased. It includes activities such as adjusting to new roles and responsibilities, returning to work, socializing, taking care of daily tasks, and seeking personal growth.
The key idea in this model is that grievers oscillate between these two processes rather than following a fixed sequence. People may have moments of deep sorrow followed by periods of respite where they engage in activities unrelated to their loss. This dynamic approach allows for a more individualized grieving process, accommodating the complexities of each person’s journey.
How the Dual Process Model Differs from Other Grief Theories
The Dual Process Model stands out from traditional grief theories in several ways:
Non-Linear Approach: Unlike models such as the five stages of grief, which imply a step-by-step progression, the DPM recognizes that grief is fluid and does not follow a predetermined sequence.
Acknowledges Distraction and Avoidance as Necessary: Many grief theories focus solely on emotional processing, but the DPM validates the need for individuals to take breaks from grief-related emotions by engaging in daily life activities.
Accounts for Gender and Cultural Differences: Research suggests that men and women often grieve differently, with men leaning more toward restoration-oriented coping and women engaging more in loss-oriented coping. The DPM accommodates these variations, making it more inclusive.
The Importance of Oscillation in Grief
A major strength of the Dual Process Model is its emphasis on oscillation, or the movement between confronting loss and focusing on restoration. This balance helps prevent individuals from becoming overwhelmed by their grief while still allowing them to process their emotions in meaningful ways.
For example:
A bereaved spouse may spend one day deeply immersed in memories of their partner, going through old photos and crying. The next day, they might focus on work, household chores, or hobbies, giving themselves a break from intense emotions.
Someone grieving the loss of a parent might attend a support group session one evening (loss-oriented) but spend the next day planning a family outing (restoration-oriented) to bring joy back into their life.
This oscillation prevents prolonged distress and promotes overall well-being, as it allows for both emotional expression and adaptation to a new normal.
Applying the Dual Process Model to Personal Grief
If you are navigating grief, you can use the Dual Process Model as a guide to finding balance. Here are some practical strategies:
Recognize the Two Processes: Be aware that both loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping are essential. It’s okay to mourn and to seek comfort in familiar routines or distractions.
Allow Yourself to Oscillate: Give yourself permission to shift between grief and daily activities. There is no “right” way to grieve—some days may feel heavier with sorrow, while others may bring moments of relief.
Engage in Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental health through exercise, proper nutrition, mindfulness, and activities that bring you peace.
Seek Support When Needed: Talking to friends, family, or professionals can help you navigate both aspects of grief.
Be Patient with Yourself: Healing takes time, and your grief journey is unique. Avoid pressure to “move on” quickly or stay stuck in one phase.
How the Dual Process Model Helps in Different Types of Loss
The flexibility of the DPM makes it applicable to various types of loss, including:
Death of a Loved One: Acknowledging sorrow while slowly rebuilding a life without the deceased.
Breakup or Divorce: Processing heartbreak while focusing on self-growth and new opportunities.
Job Loss: Facing disappointment while actively seeking new career paths.
Major Life Transitions: Adjusting to changes such as moving to a new city or retiring from a long-held job.
Grieving as a Lifelong Journey
Grief does not have a clear endpoint. Instead, it is a lifelong journey that evolves over time. The Dual Process Model acknowledges that loss and restoration exist side by side, allowing individuals to integrate grief into their lives without being consumed by it.
By embracing this approach, people can honor their loss while finding new meaning and purpose. Healing does not mean forgetting—it means learning to live with loss in a way that fosters resilience and hope.
Final Thoughts
The Dual Process Model of Grief offers a compassionate and realistic approach to mourning. By balancing between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping, individuals can navigate their grief in a way that feels natural and sustainable. If you are grieving, know that it’s okay to have days of deep sadness and days where you find joy again.
Grief is not about moving on; it’s about moving forward—with love, memories, and hope.