Social support networks and the crisis of bereavement

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Abstract

Selected social network and urban community literature is reviewed and various models of support structure are then assessed in terms of their adequacy in meeting the diverse needs of individuals under stress. The role of support networks during the bereavement crisis is examined specifically and a brief description of the Community Resources Service's project “A Preventive Intervention for the Newly Bereaved” illustrates how understanding of network supports can aid the mental health professional in crisis intervention.

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    The authors wish to express their appreciation to colleagues in the Community Resources Service. Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, especially Dr. S.J.J. Freeman, for their assistance and support in the preparation of this paper.

    Research Associate, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Principal Researcher of the project “A Preventive Intervention for the Newly Bereaved”, supported as a Demonstration Model Grant by the Ontario Ministry of Health (D.M. 158).

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