The aim of this study was to examine the simultaneous effects of pre-loss grief, preparedness for death and preparedness for caregiving on different psychological health outcomes in relatives of people with cancer. Two hundred ninety-nine relatives of people with cancer participated in a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were included if they spoke German and were 18 years or older. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted. Pre-loss grief was significantly associated with depression (β = .388, p < .001), anxiety (β = .429, p < .001), somatization (β = .221, p < .001) and satisfaction with life (β = -.205, p < .001). Preparedness for death was significantly associated with somatization (β = -.247, p < .001). Results suggest that people with high scores in pre-loss grief and low scores in preparedness for death are in need of early support. Interventions should address pre-loss grief and the various aspects of preparedness for death and take into account the psychological health in relatives of people with cancer. Future studies should investigate underlying mechanisms.
Keywords: anticipatory grief/mourning; bereavement; death; dying; grief.