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Treating Young Refugees with a Grief-Focused Group Therapy-A Feasibility Trial
Anna-Maria Rummel1, Anna Vogel1, Ruth Rossi2
1Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
A new grief-focused therapy shows promise for refugees experiencing prolonged grief disorder (PGD). This study found the therapy feasible and effective in reducing PGD symptoms in young refugees.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Refugee populations frequently experience traumatic bereavement.
- This can lead to elevated rates of prolonged grief disorder (PGD).
- No specific treatments currently exist for refugees with PGD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of a novel grief-focused cognitive behavioral group therapy (G-CBT).
- To assess G-CBT for young refugees (16-18 years) diagnosed with PGD.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving four young refugees with PGD.
- Assessment of PGD, PTSD, and depression at baseline, during, and post-treatment.
- Three- and six-month follow-up assessments.
Main Results:
- High comorbidity of PGD, PTSD, and depression was observed at baseline.
- Clinician-rated PGD symptom severity significantly decreased post-treatment among completers.
- Symptom reduction remained stable at 3- and 6-month follow-ups.
- Therapists reported positive feedback, indicating good feasibility in outpatient settings.
Conclusions:
- Grief-focused CBT appears feasible for treating prolonged grief disorder in young refugees.
- Further research with larger, controlled studies is necessary to establish efficacy.
Keywords:
PGDculturally sensitivegrief therapymental healthprolonged grief disorderrefugeestherapytreatmentMore Related Videos
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