Questionnaire Description

The Grief Experience Inventory (GEI) consists of 150 statements related to the process of grief and mourning. These statements are divided into twelve subscales, nine of which are clinical and three related to response validity. Respondents are asked to answer each statement with “Yes” or “No,” depending on whether the statement applies to them. The clinical subscales assess emotional and physical reactions associated with loss, while the validity subscales evaluate the individual’s attitude toward the assessment process and the tendency to give socially desirable responses.

Data Analysis and Use

Data are collected based on the respondent’s answers and summed for each of the twelve subscales. These scores are analyzed to identify emotional, cognitive, or physical difficulties related to grief. The results are used for both research and clinical purposes, as they provide valuable insights into the intensity and nature of a person’s psychological reaction to loss. This tool is particularly useful for distinguishing between normal and pathological grieving responses and can guide the development of appropriate support or therapeutic interventions.

Purpose

The main purpose of the questionnaire is to assess the emotional and physical reactions experienced by an individual following the death of a loved one. It aims to offer a structured overview of the grieving experience, facilitating a deeper understanding of the person’s internal state and helping to inform psychological or psychotherapeutic support efforts.

Scoring

Scoring is based on “Yes” or “No” responses to each item. Each answer corresponds to a specific subscale, and the scores are totaled per subscale. The distribution of these scores helps evaluate the emotional condition of the grieving individual and allows comparisons with norms or between different groups. The detailed analysis of each subscale offers a comprehensive picture of the distinct aspects of grief being experienced.

Bibliography

Sanders, S. M., Manger, P. A., & Strong, P. N. (1985). A manual for the grief experience inventory. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press.
Michaleli, M. (1994). Study of the psychosocial effects of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome on ten Greek families. Doctoral dissertation, Department of Nursing, Division of Basic and Humanitarian Studies, University of Athens.