What term describes the compelling need to restore psychological equilibrium after loss?

The term that best describes the compelling need to restore psychological equilibrium after loss is restitution. Restitution refers to the process of returning to a state of balance or wholeness following the disruption caused by grief or loss. This concept emphasizes the active efforts individuals take to heal and mend the psychological scars left by traumatic experiences.

In the context of grief, restitution involves various strategies or actions that individuals might undertake to regain a sense of normalcy and healing. This can include seeking support, engaging in productive activities, or finding ways to honor and remember what has been lost, thereby facilitating a return to psychological stability.

The other options, while related to aspects of coping with loss, do not capture this specific need for restoring balance in the same way. Recovery generally implies returning to a previous state but does not inherently convey the action-oriented aspect of restoring equilibrium. Acceptance relates more to acknowledging the reality of the loss rather than actively restoring balance. Reconciliation often involves coming to terms with the loss in a relational context rather than a psychological one. Therefore, restitution is the term that most accurately fits the definition provided.