Continuing bonds in adaptation to bereavement: introduction.

The role of the continuing bond to the deceased in adjustment to bereavement has been given considerable attention in the bereavement literature. It is increasingly recognized that it is a normative part of adjustment to the loss of a loved one and that it can be adaptive. It may be the case however that a continuing bond to the deceased may also be maladaptive under certain conditions. In this special topic series of articles, the implications of a continuing bond for adjustment to bereavement is addressed. Conceptually and empirically focused papers as well as clinically oriented papers on the continuing bond to the deceased have been included in order to provide the reader with a broad sampling of contemporary work in this area. The aim is to inspire further thinking and research on this topic as well as to promote greater awareness among grief counselors and practitioners on the importance of the continuing bond to the deceased in working with the bereaved.