The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) recently recognized Prolonged Grief Disorder as a distinct clinical entity. This condition involves persistent and pervasive longing for the deceased. Consequently, clinicians need better tools to understand its prevalence and risk factors. The MARBLES project addresses this need. By pooling data from 16,666 bereaved individuals across nine countries, this initiative builds a unified archive for bereavement research.

Prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder Symptoms

Preliminary analyses of the MARBLES archive reveal striking statistics. About 18.3% of participants met the criteria for probable Prolonged Grief Disorder under ICD-11 guidelines. Furthermore, the study highlights specific demographics. The mean age of participants was in their mid-40s, and roughly 70% were female. One in four individuals had lost a partner. Similarly, 25% experienced an unnatural loss, such as an accident or suicide. These findings suggest that certain types of loss significantly increase the risk of pathological grief.

Clinical Importance of the MARBLES Archive

Researchers designed the archive to be FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. Currently, it includes data on posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms. Moreover, it tracks emotion regulation and sociodemographic characteristics. This evolving resource will eventually include underrepresented groups like migrants. Therefore, it provides a powerful platform for studying the pathogenesis of grief. Professionals can use this data to refine interventions and improve patient outcomes in mental health care.

What are the core diagnostic criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder?

According to ICD-11, the diagnosis requires persistent longing or preoccupation with the deceased. These symptoms must last for at least six months post-bereavement. Additionally, the grief must exceed social and cultural norms while causing significant impairment in daily functioning.

Which individuals are most at risk for PGD?

Preliminary research from the MARBLES project suggests that women and those who experience unnatural losses are at higher risk. Additionally, losing a life partner is a major risk factor identified in the current datasets. Mental health history and poor emotion regulation also play significant roles.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. Boelen PA et al. Pooling data from studies on prolonged grief: the Multi-region Archive of Research data on Bereavement and Loss from Empirical Studies (MARBLES) project. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2026 Dec undefined. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2026.2652128. PMID: 42186902.


2. World Health Organization. (2018). International Classification of Diseases for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (11th Revision).


3. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., Text Revision).