This study investigates the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms and depression among individuals who have experienced sudden accidental bereavement, with particular attention to the moderating role of subjective grief state. Whereas pr...
This study investigates the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms and depression among individuals who have experienced sudden accidental bereavement, with particular attention to the moderating role of subjective grief state. Whereas prior research has predominantly examined intentional bereavement such as suicide or homicide, this study focuses on bereavement resulting from sudden accidents. The findings demonstrate that post-traumatic stress symptoms significantly predict depressive outcomes in bereaved individuals, and that the perception of grief as sufficient serves as a protective factor that attenuates this adverse effect. These results underscore that sudden accidental bereavement entails both the experience of loss and traumatic exposure to the death process, and that the interaction of these dual characteristics exacerbates vulnerability to mental health problems. Accordingly, comprehensive mental health assessments should incorporate not only the type of relationship with the deceased, but also the quality of the relationship, the timing of bereavement, and the degree of traumatic exposure. Furthermore, fostering a community-level cultural environment that legitimizes and encourages healthy expressions of grief, alongside institutionalized support systems, is essential. This study provides foundational evidence for the development of social welfare interventions and policy strategies aimed at mitigating mental health risks among individuals affected by sudden accidental bereavement.