Universality of Bereavement Life Review for Spirituality and Depression in Bereaved Families

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the Bereavement Life Review on depression and spiritual well-being of bereaved families in a setting that does not specialize in palliative care. The participants were 20 bereaved family members who underwent the Bereavement Life Review over 2 sessions in 2 weeks. Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition scores significantly decreased from 14.4 ± 9.2 to 11.6 ± 7.4 ( t = 2.15, P = .045) and Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual scores increased from 24.3 ± 10.1 to 25.9 ± 11 ( t = −1.0, P = .341) from pre- to postintervention. These results show that the Bereavement Life Review can decrease depression and improve spiritual well-being of bereaved families after the death of a family member in a setting without specialized palliative care. The results also suggest the universality of this therapy.