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The Dutch researchers featured in this article seem to have discovered something that has been known for a long time. They conclude that the people who make the best recovery from loss are those who “cite mainly positive feelings” about the deceased. Jews, who are among the human race’s experts in recovering from losses, have been comforting mourners for centuries with, “May his/her memory be a blessing.”

Nina Wouk
Menlo Park, Calif.

Apparently, the two studies showing that expressing one’s grief doesn’t ameliorate it were done in the Netherlands. What might be true of the Dutch might not apply to Italians or Africans or North Americans. Attitudes toward expressing emotions are culturally specific.

Jean Richards
New York, N.Y.

The study cites U.S. evidence that supports the Dutch findings. However, the researchers acknowledge the need for long-term studies of grief in other countries. –B.B.