Which of the following characteristics of grief reflects an extreme focus on the deceased?

The focus on the deceased during the grieving process can be deeply pronounced, leading to the characteristic known as preoccupation with images of the deceased. This phenomenon often manifests as the bereaved individual having persistent and intrusive thoughts about the deceased person, which may include vividly recalling memories, visualizing their image, or reflecting on their traits and behaviors. Such preoccupation is a normal response to loss, emphasizing the emotional connection that existed prior to their passing.

This characteristic demonstrates how grief can create a mental space where the individual continues to engage with the memory of the loved one, often as a means of processing their sorrow and attempting to navigate life without that person. The preoccupation can serve various purposes, including maintaining a bond with the deceased, processing emotions related to the loss, and seeking comfort in memories.

In contrast, avoidance, disbelief, and emotional numbness are responses that typically indicate a different relationship with grief, often signaling strategies to cope with or deny the reality of loss, rather than engaging with the memories and the emotional impact of the deceased's absence.