What is anticipatory grief?

• A. Grief experienced after the loss has occurred due to surprise.
• B. Grief experienced before the loss of someone due to terminal illness.
• C. Grief that affects only children.
• D. Grief that is a sign of denial.

Answer: (B)

Anticipatory grief is the emotional response that occurs before a death, usually when a loved one has a terminal illness or is known to be dying soon. People may feel sadness, fear, anger, guilt, and a sense of loss as they begin to acknowledge the coming loss and what life will be like afterward. It can involve practical tasks like saying goodbye, making arrangements, and resolving unfinished business, as well as imagining life after the person’s death. This kind of grieving can be adaptive, helping people prepare and cope, but it can also complicate later mourning if emotions aren’t processed or if expectations about the dying process create ongoing distress.