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Related Experiment Videos

Interventions to enhance adaptation to bereavement.

Henk Schut1, Margaret S Stroebe

  • 1Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands. H.Schut@FSS.UU.NL

Journal of Palliative Medicine
|February 28, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Quantitative evaluations show that routine bereavement intervention lacks empirical support. Targeted interventions are more effective for complicated grief, while early or unsolicited support may hinder natural grieving processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Grief Studies

Background:

  • Bereavement significantly impacts psychological and physical health.
  • While most individuals navigate grief naturally, a minority experience severe, lasting consequences.
  • Quantitative evaluations of bereavement intervention efficacy are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and evaluate the empirical evidence for bereavement intervention programs.
  • To assess intervention effectiveness based on stringent criteria and a public health framework.
  • To identify gaps and propose future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of empirical studies on bereavement interventions.
  • Categorization of interventions into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies.

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  • Critical examination of previous reviews and quantitative evaluations.

    • Main Results:

    • Routine bereavement intervention lacks quantitative support and is not empirically based.
    • Outreach strategies are not recommended; even requested interventions require careful evaluation.
    • Intervention may disrupt natural grieving if applied too soon.
    • Interventions are more effective for complicated grief.

    Conclusions:

    • Current evidence does not support routine bereavement interventions.
    • Future research should focus on rigorous study designs, risk factors, and comparative effectiveness.
    • Intervention strategies must be carefully considered and tailored to specific needs.