THE EFFECTS OF GRIEF IN THE BRAIN

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a general perspective about grief by analyzing theoretical, psychosocial, biological and neuroscientific issues. We depart from a bibliographic review of
scientific works, scientific studies and books, in order to include a meaningful amount of information. Initially, the theories of two bereavement authors have been examined: Parkes, stating that grief should be acknowledged as a process instead of a state, and Bowlby, who proposed that behavioral responses of grief have biological roots. Furthermore, the bereavement process is
analyzed by looking at the individual daily life, as it can affect the psychosocial sphere. In addition, grief is explored in the biological area, which explains what kind of symptoms the bereaved is stricken with. Afterwards, the connection between grief and neuroscience is investigated, since the latter's advance corroborate to the assumptions that implicate a relation between emotions and brain regions. Eventually, the role of the amygdala emotional system and the concept of neuroplasticity
are brought to the fore alongside others nervous system structures. Lastly, a discussion about the role of emotions in this process takes place, emphasizing the importance of the deep contact between psychology and neuroscience.