sorrow from a life-span perspective and explores its effects on those experiencing significant losses with no foreseeable end. Treatment methods are addressed, and the author identifies goals and situations common to chronic sorrow and offers suggestions on how to handle them. Additionally, Roos proposes a model of chronic sorrow, discusses the impact of this lifelong condition on families, and proposes meaningful directions for research. This is the first book to develop a comprehensive analysis of chronic sorrow, and it will be useful to professionals and clinicians in the mental health field.
As the mom of two kids with cystic fibrosis, an author and public speaker, I have done many of studying about the stages of grief as well as experiencing it personally. I found Roos' work to be especially supportive in helping me to know the impact of chronic grief which is different than the grief that is experienced with a defeat that is more of a "one shot deal." I have a better understanding of why I find myself re-cycling through the stages of grief just when I thought I was getting to acceptance.