Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG)

The Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) is a self-assessment tool designed to measure symptoms associated with prolonged or complicated grief. The scale consists of 19 questions that reflect emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to loss. While this test does not provide a diagnosis, it can help individuals reflect on their grief and identify areas where additional support might be helpful. Answer each question based on your recent experiences to gain insights into how grief may be affecting your life.

Question	Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Often	Always
1. I feel emotionally numb since the loss.
2. I feel that life is meaningless since the loss.
3. I find it hard to trust others since the loss.
4. I feel like I am unable to move on with my life.
5. I feel a strong sense of yearning for the person I lost.
6. I feel lonely even when I am with others.
7. I feel that it is unfair that I had to experience this loss.
8. I feel like I cannot accept that this loss has happened.
9. I feel that I should have done something to prevent the loss.
10. I feel detached from my life and surroundings.
11. I feel like I am living in a daze since the loss.
12. I find myself avoiding reminders of the person I lost.
13. I feel that I am unable to function as I did before the loss.
14. I feel like I am searching for the person I lost in some way.
15. I feel as though I am losing touch with reality since the loss.
16. I feel like I am unable to find comfort since the loss.
17. I feel that memories of the person I lost are fading.
18. I feel that I lack motivation since the loss.
19. I feel that I am unable to enjoy life as I used to before the loss.

Understanding the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG)

The Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) is a valuable tool for reflecting on the emotional and cognitive impact of grief. By assessing your reactions to the loss, this tool can help you understand how grief may be affecting your life in unexpected ways. The ICG focuses on various aspects of grief, including emotional numbness, difficulty moving forward, and feelings of yearning. While the ICG is not a diagnostic tool, it offers a structured approach to self-reflection and awareness.

Core Areas Assessed in the ICG

The ICG evaluates several key areas related to grief, including emotional responses, cognitive beliefs, and behavioral patterns. For instance, questions may explore whether you feel that life is meaningless without the person you lost, or if you find it difficult to trust others since the loss. This focus on various dimensions of grief provides a comprehensive view of how grief can impact different aspects of life. Through this exploration, the ICG helps you identify specific areas where grief may be more challenging, allowing you to seek targeted support if needed.

Clinical Relevance of the ICG

Clinicians often use the ICG as a screening tool to better understand the intensity of grief symptoms and identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation. Although the ICG is not a formal diagnostic instrument, it provides a structured overview that can guide clinicians in recognizing prolonged or complicated grief symptoms. By highlighting areas where grief may be interfering with daily functioning, the ICG can support the development of treatment plans tailored to the individual’s unique experiences and needs.

Benefits of the ICG for Personal Reflection and Growth

For those navigating the grieving process, the ICG offers a constructive way to explore and understand the impact of grief on their lives. Completing the ICG allows individuals to recognize patterns in their grief responses, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional insight. This reflection can be a meaningful step toward acknowledging and working through grief, whether independently or with the support of loved ones or professionals. The ICG serves as a helpful tool for both self-understanding and healing.