Complicated Grief Treatment for older adults: The critical role of a supportive person

In the wake of the increased interest in treatment for complicated grief (CG) symptoms, research has reported the promising effect of CG treatment (CGT) on CG symptoms. This study compared CGT with supportive counseling (SC) in terms of improvement in CG symptoms. A randomized trial design was used to compare the effectiveness of CGT with that of SC in treating CG symptoms, depressive symptoms, and social impairments. The primary outcome was the Inventory of Complicated Grief. Relative to SC, CGT resulted in improved CG symptoms and depressive symptoms. Among those receiving CGT, participants with a supportive person in their sessions showed more beneficial results in CG and depressive symptoms than those without a supportive person did. This suggests that CGT is superior to SC in reducing CG symptoms and depressive symptoms, and in improving work and social functions during bereavement. Moreover, having a supportive person plays a critical role in the effectiveness of CGT sessions.