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Related Experiment Videos

Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for complicated grief: a randomized controlled trial.

Birgit Wagner1, Christine Knaevelsrud, Andreas Maercker

  • 1Department of Psychopathology, University of Zurich, Scheuchzerstr. 21, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland. b.wagner@psychologie.unizh.ch

Death Studies
|April 14, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy effectively treats complicated grief. This email-based program significantly reduced symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, and psychopathology in bereaved individuals, with lasting results.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry
  • Digital Health

Background:

  • Complicated grief significantly impacts bereaved individuals.
  • Established psychotherapy methods can be adapted for digital delivery.
  • Internet-based interventions offer accessible mental health support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) program for complicated grief.
  • To assess the impact of an e-mail-based therapeutic approach on bereavement-related symptoms.
  • To determine if digital CBT can effectively manage symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, and psychopathology.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 55 bereaved individuals diagnosed with complicated grief.
  • A 5-week iCBT intervention delivered exclusively via e-mail, comprising exposure, cognitive reappraisal, and integration modules.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment using the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) subscales for depression and anxiety.

    • Main Results:

    • The iCBT treatment group (n=26) showed significant improvements compared to the waiting list control group.
    • Statistically significant reductions were observed in symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, maladaptive behavior, and general psychopathology.
    • A large treatment effect size was noted, indicating substantial clinical impact.

    Conclusions:

    • Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for complicated grief.
    • The e-mail-delivered intervention demonstrated sustained symptom reduction at 3-month follow-up.
    • Digital mental health interventions show promise for managing complex bereavement reactions.