Grief in adults and its multiple facets from the perspective of cognitive-behavioral therapy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can contribute to emotional adaptation and the reframing of grief in adults. This is an integrative literature review, with the selection of studies published between 2015 and 2026 in the SciELO, LILACS, and Virtual Health Library databases, using the descriptors “Grief,” “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,” and “Adult.”

The results indicate that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy constitutes an effective approach in managing emotional and behavioral responses resulting from loss, promoting the identification of cognitive distortions, modification of dysfunctional beliefs, cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation, behavioral activation, and the development of adaptive strategies. These interventions contribute to the reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms, greater emotional self-regulation, resumption of pleasurable activities, and the reframing of the lived experience.

It is concluded that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy plays a role in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reorganization, strengthening internal resources, preventing complications associated with prolonged grief, and establishing itself as a relevant tool for clinical interventions, the promotion of well-being, and future research on the grieving process in adults. However, therapeutic practice must respect the individuality of each patient, considering life history, anxiety levels, grief characteristics, and potential comorbidities. The therapist’s flexibility in choosing techniques strengthens the therapeutic alliance and allows the intervention to be tailored to the emotional and behavioral demands of the bereaved individual.