Research indicates that grief, similar to various other stressors, can cause significant alterations in several bodily systems, including the endocrine, immune, autonomic nervous, and cardiovascular systems. These systems are closely interconnected and deeply affected by the brain's functioning and the role of neurotransmitters, suggesting that emotional responses like grief can have profound physiological effects.

In her book "The Year of Magical Thinking," Joan Didion reflects on her experiences with loss, illustrating how grief permeates both psychological and physical realms. This relationship between emotional experiences and bodily responses underscores the importance of understanding the comprehensive impact of grief on individuals, emphasizing that it can extend far beyond mere feelings to manifest in measurable physiological changes.