From the reconstruction of meaning to the reconstruction of security: The broaden-and-build cycle of continuing bonds

Özgür E.

Death Studies, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Teknik Not
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/07481187.2026.2722511
  • Dergi Adı: Death Studies
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Periodicals Index Online, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, MEDLINE, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo, Religion and Philosophy Collection, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, MLA International Bibliography, Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Education Collection (ProQuest), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This commentary aims to explain the phenomenon of post-loss growth from the perspective of attachment theory by commenting on the article by Malkinson et al. (2026) on post-loss growth. Drawing on Mikulincer and Shaver’s broaden-and-build cycle of attachment security, the Broaden-and-Build Cycle of Continuing Bonds is proposed as a conceptual model for understanding the bereavement process. This commentary argues that the meaning reconstruction approach following loss can support not only the reconstruction of meaning but also the restructuring of Internal Working Models regarding the relationship with the deceased, thereby enabling a transition toward earned attachment security. It is further proposed that earned security enhances the individual’s psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to enter the Broaden-and-Build Cycle of Continuing Bonds, reconstruct the meaning of the self, and ultimately experience post-loss growth. In addition, the functioning of this cycle is theoretically explained in individuals with secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment orientations.