Servaty-Seib’s research team has developed the gain/loss framework as a way of conceptualizing the unique impact of specific life events.  They argue that impact can be assessed through determining the losses and gains that each person attributes to any specific life event.

With this in mind, each person will have a unique reaction to the current pandemic.  The more losses that each person perceives—the higher level of grief that person will experience.  Grief is not only connected with death losses—it is a  multidimensional response (e.g., emotional, cognitive, physiological, social, spiritual) to all types of losses.   Losses that people may be experiencing in the face of the pandemic are wide ranging and may include loss of community, established physical work space, routine, structure, productivity, and freedom of movement—and even more tangible losses such as income, access to resources, and planned activities or celebrations.

The losses are real—and the grief is real.

My hope is that we all can also remain open and mindful of the potential gains of having to slow down our lives and to physically distance from others—perhaps flexibility, more time with family, opportunities for reflection, and greater appreciation for life.

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