Revisiting Masculine Grief (IN: Living With Grief: who we are, how we Grieve, edited by K J Doka & J D Davidson)

In the predominant pattern of grief, feelings are intense, overt, & shared with others. The authors refer to this as conventional or feminine grief. Conversely, masculine grief allocates more energy towards the cognitive. Both males & females can experience either pattern of grief. This chapter explores the nature of grief & mourning as adaptation. Differences between feminine & masculine patterns of grief are discussed. Masculine grief differs in having moderated feelings, a focus on thinking, problem-focused activity, & a desire for solitude. Effective adaptive strategies are outlined for conventional grievers & masculine grievers. Some specific interventions for use with masculine grievers are described.