Grieving the Ungrievable: Understanding and Caring for Ambiguous Loss

This article discusses the concept of ambiguous loss, exemplified by families of Missing in Action (MIA) service members. It highlights the emotional challenges faced by these families due to the lack of closure and certainty. The text explores coping mechanisms, including support groups, spiritual beliefs, and six key coping pillars. It emphasizes the importance of finding and returning MIAs for true closure and the role of caregivers and chaplains in assisting families through their grief.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Military Chaplaincy Review
Published
2026-02-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65589/001c.156285
Primary Topic
Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Grieving the Ungrievable: Understanding and Caring for Ambiguous Loss

Terry W. Eddinger
Military Chaplaincy Review
Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
article

Grieving the Ungrievable: Understanding and Caring for Ambiguous Loss

Terry W. Eddinger
article en

Abstract

This article discusses the concept of ambiguous loss, exemplified by families of Missing in Action (MIA) service members. It highlights the emotional challenges faced by these families due to the lack of closure and certainty. The text explores coping mechanisms, including support groups, spiritual beliefs, and six key coping pillars. It emphasizes the importance of finding and returning MIAs for true closure and the role of caregivers and chaplains in assisting families through their grief.

Military Chaplaincy Review
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 58%
Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health
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Grieving the Ungrievable: Understanding and Caring for Ambiguous Loss — Terry W. Eddinger · Military Chaplaincy Review (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS