Which type of grief is characterized by persistent longing and difficulty moving on, potentially impairing functioning?

• A. Grief
• B. Absent grief
• C. Complicated grief
• D. Mourning

Answer: (C)

Persistent longing and difficulty moving on after a loss that interferes with daily functioning points to a prolonged, impairing form of grief. This pattern is known as complicated grief, or prolonged grief disorder. It goes beyond typical sadness by lasting for an extended period and disrupting everyday life—people may feel intense yearning for the deceased, preoccupation with the loss, and trouble re-engaging in work, relationships, or self-care.

Normal grief involves strong emotions as part of a typical response, but these feelings gradually lessen over time as a person adapts. Absent grief describes a minimal or blunted reaction, which doesn’t align with the described persistent impairment. Mourning refers to the outward expressions and rituals surrounding grief, not the persistent internal distress and functional impairment. So the best fit for persistent longing with impairment is complicated grief.