According to Worden, what is a "Task of Mourning"?

In the context of Worden’s model, a "Task of Mourning" refers to the process of adjusting to the absence of a loved one who has passed away. This task emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize and accept the reality of loss, which is essential for healing and moving forward. By acknowledging the absence, mourners can begin to integrate this significant change into their lives, adapting emotionally and psychologically to a new reality without the deceased.

This adjustment process may involve a range of emotions and the development of new coping mechanisms as individuals learn to navigate life in the absence of their loved one. It is crucial for the grieving person to confront the reality of the death, which aids in processing their sorrow and helps them find a new normal while still cherishing the memories of their loved one.

While expressing feelings verbally, avoiding painful memories, and maintaining social connections are important components of the grieving process, they function more as strategies or supportive behaviors rather than core tasks that define the mourning process itself. The primary focus remains on the adjustment to the absence of the deceased as a fundamental aspect of mourning according to Worden's theory.