Bereavement and Mortality: A Methodology for Assessing Capacity and Functioning Following the Loss of a Spouse

Bereavement and mortality are major issues and concerns for the surviving spouse of a husband or wife. Information is presented on the grieving process, models for assessing mortality, factors than may impinge upon the well-being and/or the mortality of the surviving spouse, and a model for addressing the issue of damages. In terms of evaluating these issues in a forensic context, several approaches are discussed, including a review of selected court cases related to admissibility. A revised model for the over-all assessment and decision-making process is presented with regard to the impact of bereavement on future functioning.