Salivary α-Amylase Reactivity during Discussion of the Death of a Spouse in Recently Bereaved Elders

Bereavement-related biological and physiological stress reactivity during the discussion of a loss are evaluated by collecting saliva samples in patients aged 55 or more who have lost a spouse within the last 12 months. The concentration of salivary α-Amylase, a marker for stress, is measured. Grief symptoms are also examined.