Worden's Four Task Model

Worden’s four task model marked a transition from the fixed, passive stage theory proposed by Kübler-Ross, to a more active model entailing a number of tasks that must be undertaken when coping with the loss of an individual specifically through death. Individuals are viewed as active participants in the grieving process (Worden, 1991). Furthermore, his task model integrates a lot from earlier theorists such as Bowlby and in particular Freud’s concept of grief work.
Worden (2010) conceptualised the grief process as containing four major concerns. Firstly, it is important for an individual to accept the reality of the loss, both on an intellectual and an emotional level. Even when a death is expected there is always an element of denial,
In an attempt to avoid the pain of this process, the bereaved can hinder their progress by avoiding painful thoughts and denying the pain is present. They may idealise the deceased or use alcohol or drugs to numb the pain. Some may even move to a new geographical location (pg. 32). Bowlby (1980) states “Sooner or later, some of those who avoid all conscious grieving, break down – usually with some form of depression” (pg. 123). Society can often stigmatise grief reactions as unhealthy or unnecessary, however, having supportive friends and family can validate the bereaved’s feelings, assisting them to succesfully process (Worden, 2010, pg.
This adjustment can mean different things for different people dependent on their relationship to the deceased and the roles the deceased played in their life before death. “We relearn the world in grief reactions as we passively take in the realities of change in our world that bereavement entails, including the loss of wholeness and sorrow that come over us” (Attig, 2011, pg. viii). External adjustments involve our everday function in the world, for example, perhaps we now have to manage finance, come to terms with living alone, sell our home, raise a family alone and learn a new skill or adopt a new role. Gradually and over time, the full impact of just what is lost unfolds (Worden, 2010, pg. 34). Stimuli like music, holidays, pronounced memories, smells, memories, first year all those things are stimuli & drawing out emotions. Internal adjustments are also necessary and involves how the death affects one’s sense of self (pg. 34). Identity is often defined through relationships and caring for others and therefore the loss of this significant person may result in a sense of a loss of self. Failure to navigate new roles adequately can lead to self esteem being rocked and an emergence of feelings of inadequacy (Horawitz et al., 1980, as cited in Worden, 2010, pg. 36). “The grieving individual is forced to author a new life story, and seek an audience for the new