What term describes an emotional reaction that is insufficiently expressed at the time of loss?

The term that describes an emotional reaction that is insufficiently expressed at the time of loss is known as a delayed grief reaction. This phenomenon occurs when an individual may not fully process or express their grief immediately following a loss, often due to a variety of factors such as emotional preparedness, shock, or societal expectations. As time passes, the individual might experience overwhelming feelings of grief that were initially suppressed or unacknowledged.

This reaction can manifest weeks, months, or even years after the loss, sometimes triggered by reminders or significant events. Recognizing delayed grief is important in support systems and therapeutic contexts, as those experiencing it may need different strategies to address their feelings compared to those exhibiting immediate grief reactions.

Other terms in the options describe different aspects of grief; for instance, prolonged grief reaction refers to an extended period of intense grief that persists long after the loss. Suppressed grief involves consciously or unconsciously holding back grief responses, while anticipatory grief refers to the emotional response experienced before an impending loss. Understanding these distinctions can aid in providing appropriate support and mental health care to those experiencing grief.