Effects of an Integrated Treatment Program on Grief and Distress Among Parentally Bereaved Young Adults

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of an 18-session manualized integrative group psychotherapy intervention for parentally bereaved young adults with grief complications. Participants, 63 young adults aged 20–27 years, completed questionnaires assessing symptoms of prolonged grief, PTSD, depression and anxiety prior to and following treatment. Treatment effectiveness was assessed by comparing outcomes for the intervention group to a waitlist comparison group. Results revealed a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of grief (large effects size), PTSD (medium effect sizes), and depression (medium effect size). The treatment did not result in a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. The study provided preliminary support for this intervention for parentally bereaved young adults.