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He oft finds med'cine who his grief imparts.
Spencer, The Faerie Queene
Although, thanks to the research of the past twenty years, a great deal is now known about why the mourning of some individuals follows a pathological course whereas that of others does not, the problem remains very difficult and a great deal more is still to be learned. Variables likely to be relevant are numerous; they tend to occur in clusters so that items within each cluster are difficult to tease apart; they interact in complex ways; and many of what appear to be the most influential are among the most controversial. All that can be attempted is to present a classification of variables, give brief indications of the likely role of each and direct attention to those thought likely to prove most powerful in determining outcome.
Variables can be classified under five heads:
the identity and role of the person lost
the age and sex of the person bereaved
the causes and circumstances of the loss
the social and psychological circumstances affecting the bereaved about the time of and after the loss
the personality of the bereaved, with special reference to his capacities for making love relationships and for responding to stressful situations.