Misconceptions on Grief and Bereaved People’s Needs Among Health and Social Care Professionals, Teachers and General Population in Italy

This study investigated misconceptions about grief among health and social workers, teachers, and the general population in Italy. Socio-demographic characteristics, including gender, age, education, and personal experience of loss, were also examined. A questionnaire with nine statements capturing common myths about grief and its management was completed by 233 participants (mean age = 42.2, SD = 12.7; 60.9% women) using a 4-point Likert scale. Results showed that most participants responded inaccurately to most statements, agreeing with the idea that grief proceeds in a linear fashion, overlooking the heterogeneity of grief reactions, pathologizing them, and overestimating the need for psychological support. Health and social workers provided more accurate responses than teachers and the general population for certain myths, particularly regarding grief in children and older adults. Significant differences were also observed for some myths in relation to gender and whether participants had experienced a significant loss. These findings highlight the widespread endorsement of grief-related misconceptions and the compelling need to improve public awareness of the grieving process. They provide valuable insights into the key topics that should be addressed when designing initiatives to enhance community competence in supporting bereaved individuals.