What Is the Difference Between Complicated Grief and Disenfranchised Grief? A Complete Guide

Grief can change how a person sleeps, thinks, works, and connects with others. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 4% to 15% of bereaved adults may experience prolonged grief disorder, suggesting that persistent and difficult grief may be more common than many people realize.  But grief can be painful for another reason, too: sometimes other people simply don’t recognize the loss. So, what is the difference between complicated grief and disenfranchised grief?

This guide explains the distinction, what each can look like, and what support may be available.

Source:  American Psychiatric Association: Prolonged Grief Disorder 

Understanding What Is the Difference Between Complicated Grief and Disenfranchised Grief

What is the difference between complicated grief and disenfranchised grief? The key difference is what makes the grieving experience difficult. Complicated grief involves grief that remains intense and interferes with everyday life, while disenfranchised grief occurs when a loss is not recognized or supported by others.

What Is Complicated Grief?

Complicated grief is commonly used to describe grief that remains intense and difficult to manage over a prolonged period.  The formal DSM-5-TR diagnosis is prolonged grief disorder (PGD). It may involve persistent yearning, preoccupation with the person who died, emotional pain, or difficulty returning to everyday activities.

What Is Disenfranchised Grief?

Disenfranchised grief is different. Here, the grieving process may be more difficult because other people don’t see the loss as something that should be openly mourned. Someone may feel they have to grieve quietly or without the support they need.

Also Read: The Role of a Thanatologist in Modern Society

Key Differences Between Complicated Grief and Disenfranchised Grief

The following table highlights the key differences between the two, including what causes them, how they may affect a person, and the kind of support they may require.

Complicated Grief	Disenfranchised Grief
Focuses on persistent and disruptive grief	Focuses on lack of recognition or support
Usually follows a death	Can follow many types of losses
May affect daily functioning	May leave someone feeling isolated
Can meet criteria for PGD	Isn’t itself a psychiatric diagnosis

Examples of Losses That May Lead to Each Type of Grief

• Complicated grief: The death of a spouse, parent, child, or close friend.
• Disenfranchised grief: Pet loss, pregnancy loss, breakup, or loss of an unrecognized relationship.

Can Someone Experience Both Forms of Grief at the Same Time?

Yes. A person can experience prolonged, disruptive grief while also feeling that others dismiss or don’t understand their loss.

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Recognizing the Symptoms, Causes, and Support Strategies for Different Types of Grief

Grief doesn’t always look the way people expect. Some people struggle with overwhelming feelings for a long time, while others feel alone because those around them don’t understand their loss. Knowing the signs can help people recognize when they may need additional support.

Common Symptoms Associated With Complicated Grief

When grief remains intense and starts interfering with everyday life, a person may experience:

• A strong, ongoing longing for the person who died
• Thinking about the loss almost constantly
• Feeling numb, empty, or deeply distressed
• Finding it hard to accept the death
• Losing interest in things that once mattered
• Struggling with normal routines
• Avoiding places, people, or memories connected to the loss

Why Disenfranchised Grief Often Goes Unrecognized?

Sometimes the hardest part is feeling like you don’t have permission to grieve. A person may lose a pet, former partner, pregnancy, or relationship that others never fully recognized. Comments such as “It was only a pet” can make someone feel that their pain doesn’t matter.

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The Role of Family, Friends, and Community Support During Grief

Good support doesn’t require having the right answer. Often, simply listening, acknowledging what happened, checking in, and letting someone talk without trying to “fix” their feelings can help them feel less alone.

Healthy Coping Strategies That Can Support the Healing Process

There is no single way to work through grief. Some strategies that may help include:

• Keeping a simple daily routine
• Talking honestly with someone you trust
• Writing down difficult thoughts and feelings
• Spending time with supportive people
• Joining a grief support group
• When Should Someone Seek Professional Help?

It’s worth talking with a mental health professional when grief becomes overwhelming, interferes with work or relationships, or makes everyday life difficult. Seeking help isn’t a sign that someone is grieving incorrectly; sometimes, additional support is simply needed.

Also Read: Grief Counseling Skills Every Thanatologist Needs

Build a Stronger Understanding of Grief and Mental Health Through Edgewood University Programs 

Grief can be complicated, and supporting someone through it takes more than good intentions. For those who want to work in this area, Edgewood University offers programs in psychology, counseling, human services, and mental health. The Thanatology Degree – Master of Science in Thanatology Online is especially relevant for anyone interested in death, dying, grief, and bereavement. If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of grief and loss and develop practical skills, exploring Edgewood University’s online programs could be a meaningful next step.

FAQs On Difference Between Complicated Grief and Disenfranchised Grief

Q: What is the difference between complicated grief and disenfranchised grief?
Ans: The main difference is what makes the grief difficult. Complicated grief, now called prolonged grief disorder, stays intense and disruptive over time. Disenfranchised grief happens when others don’t recognize or validate the loss.

Q: Can a person experience complicated grief and disenfranchised grief at the same time?
Ans: Yes. Someone can struggle with prolonged, overwhelming grief while also feeling that their loss isn’t understood or accepted by others. That lack of support can make an already difficult grieving process feel even more isolating.

Q: What are the symptoms of complicated grief?
Ans: Some common signs include:

• Intense longing for the person who died
• Constant thoughts about the loss
• Feeling that life has lost meaning
• Emotional numbness
• Avoiding reminders of the death
• Feeling disconnected from everyday life

Q: What are some common examples of disenfranchised grief?
Ans: Disenfranchised grief can occur when people feel their loss isn’t socially recognized. Examples include:

• Losing an ex-partner
• Losing a pet
• Pregnancy loss
• Losing a former coworker
• Mourning a relationship others didn’t accept

Q: How long does complicated grief usually last?
Ans: Disenfranchised grief can occur when people feel their loss isn’t socially recognized. Examples include:

• Losing an ex-partner
• Losing a pet
• Pregnancy loss
• Losing a former coworker
• Mourning a relationship others didn’t accept