Shortform Books

Why does our mind get stuck in cycles of repetitive thoughts after losing someone we love? What’s the difference between helpful and harmful patterns of thinking about loss? Mary-Frances O’Connor’s The Grieving Brain explores rumination in psychology and its complex role in the grieving process. Understanding how our brain processes loss can help us recognize when our thought patterns are helping us heal or keeping us stuck. Keep reading to explore the science behind how our minds cope with grief and what we can do to navigate this challenging journey more effectively.

Are there truly five stages of grief? How can understanding different models of grief help us heal? In her book The Grieving Brain, psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explores the science behind loss and healing. From the well-known five stages of grief to the more recent dual process model, various frameworks help explain how people navigate through grief in their own unique ways. Read more to explore how these models of grief can validate your experience and show why there’s no “right” way to grieve.