What outcome should be expected when an individual successfully completes the grieving process?

When an individual successfully completes the grieving process, the expected outcome is to remember the significant other realistically. This means that the person can acknowledge and accept the loss while also holding on to the positive memories and meaningful aspects of the relationship. Realistic remembrance allows individuals to honor their loved one by integrating both the good and the challenging aspects of that person into their memory. This balanced perspective forms an essential part of the healing journey and contributes to the individual's emotional adjustment and overall mental health.

In contrast, accepting the inevitability of death plays a role in the grieving process but does not encompass the entire outcome of successfully navigating grief. Going on with life while forgetting the past does not foster true healing, as it suggests a suppression of feelings rather than integration of experiences. Focusing mainly on the good qualities of the deceased can lead to an unrealistic or idealized memory, potentially hindering the griever's ability to process the complexity of their feelings surrounding the loss. Realistic remembrance includes the whole picture, facilitating a healthier coping mechanism as one moves forward.