Shattered Reflections: Navigating Ambiguous Loss in the Digital Age

Ambiguous loss, a concept introduced by Dr. Pauline Boss, refers to a type of loss that lacks clear closure and conclusive information (Boss, 2004). It presents a unique challenge to the idea of resolution, leaving individuals with lingering grief and isolation (Boss, 2007). This type of loss can be particularly evident in cases of ghosting, where relationships end without clear conclusions.

The theory of ambiguous loss was developed to identify common stressors in families (Boss, 2017). It encompasses grief and loss in various contexts such as war, trauma, illness, disability, divorce, and a...Read morebandonment. This theory highlights the boundary ambiguities in relationships that make grieving more difficult, often resulting in psychological distress such as depression and anxiety (Dziengel, 2012). Ambiguous loss complicates the mourning process by adding confusion and preventing closure (Boss, 2009).

Historically, ambiguous loss occurred in one of two ways: physically present yet psychologically absent, or psychologically present but physically absent (Boss, 2004). However, LeFebvre and Fan (2020) distinguish the traditional understanding of ambiguous loss to both psychologically and physically absent but technologically present. Examples of psychologically absent or “goodbye without leaving” include mental illness, Alzheimer’s, disabilities or chronic illness, addiction, and infidelity, while examples of psychologically present but physically absent, or “leaving without goodbye,” can include divorce, miscarriage, natural disasters, and war casualties. Ghosting can serve as a contemporary example of "leaving without goodbye," but is better understood as psychologically and physically absent while remaining technologically present as LeFebvre and Fan (2020) posit. The ramifications of the digital trail left behind may can feel like a psychological presence to the person left behind. Seeing the initiator's curated view of happiness on social media may have a significant impact on the mental health of the non-initiator, exacerbating feelings of unresolved grief and emotional turmoil.

This workshop will leverage Uncertainty Reduction Theory and the concept of ambiguous loss to explore strategies for addressing such losses. Participants will engage in case study analyses, and interactive activities to identify and differentiate between different types of ambiguous loss and identify and practice therapeutic interventions tailored to these unique challenges. Less...

Learning Objectives

• Describe and differentiate between the types of ambiguous loss in clinical practice.
• Identify and practice at least two therapeutic interventions tailored to address ambiguous loss with clients.
• Apply Uncertainty Reduction Theory to ambiguous loss scenarios.

Learning Levels

• All levels

Monday, May 12, 2025

01:00 PM EDT - 04:00 PM EDT