A French-Language Web-Based Intervention Targeting Prolonged Grief Symptoms in People Who Are Bereaved and Separated:...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Mental Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Bereavement and separation are highly stressful life events impacting health.
• Approximately 15% of individuals experience significant difficulties coping with loss.
• Web-based interventions (WBIs) show efficacy for prolonged grief, but validated French options are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and adherence of two WBIs for prolonged grief symptoms.
• To assess symptom reduction and well-being in individuals experiencing loss.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of LIVIA 2.0 against the established LIVIA 1.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial comparing LIVIA 2.0 and LIVIA 1 for prolonged grief.
• Participants received on-demand guidance through web-based questionnaires.
• Outcomes measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks included grief, depression, anxiety, and well-being.

Main Results:

• Both WBIs significantly reduced grief, depressive symptoms, and centrality of loss in the intent-to-treat sample.
• Per-protocol analysis showed additional significant reduction in anxiety symptoms.
• No significant difference in efficacy was found between LIVIA 2.0 and LIVIA 1.
• High program satisfaction was reported, with sustained improvements at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The two grief-related WBIs effectively reduced symptoms for bereaved and separated individuals.
• Innovations in LIVIA 2.0 did not yield statistically significant outcome differences compared to LIVIA 1.
• Limited sample power necessitates caution when interpreting results, as only medium effect sizes could be detected.