Cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness for relatives of missing persons: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Relatives of long-term missing persons experience significant uncertainty and distress.
• Ruminative thinking is a common coping mechanism, potentially hindering recovery.
• Tolerating uncertainty is a key therapeutic target for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness for relatives of missing persons.
• To assess changes in symptom levels and mindfulness from pre-treatment to 1, 12, and 24 weeks post-treatment.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 17 Dutch adults with elevated psychological distress due to a disappearance.
• Participants were randomized to an immediate treatment group or a waiting list control group.
• Data collected via self-report measures and clinical diagnostic interviews for persistent complex bereavement disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD.

Main Results:

• The study had a low response rate (31.7%) and high dropout rate (47.1%).
• Cognitive behavioural therapy with mindfulness showed moderate to large effect sizes in reducing psychopathology (Hedges' g: 0.35-1.09).
• Mindfulness levels showed small to moderate increases (Hedges' g: -0.10-0.41). Participants completing treatment reported satisfaction and high compliance.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy with mindfulness shows promise for reducing post-loss psychopathology in relatives of missing persons.
• Further research is warranted, potentially through international collaboration and extended recruitment, to increase sample size and trial feasibility.
• Mindfulness-based interventions may be valuable for addressing grief-related complaints in this population.