Peer-led Group Support for Grief Distress

Despite the wide availability of peer-led grief support groups, there has been limited study of their methodology or outcomes. This pilot study examined a nonclinical sample of 99 adults who self-referred to a peer-led group. This group involved a time-limited, manualized, closed group intervention (Restorative Retelling) that was co-facilitated by peer volunteers. The study documented a low dropout rate from this free service with preimprovement/postimprovement in scores of grief distress as measured by the Prolonged Grief Disorder (PG-13) scale. The peer volunteers were preselected and trained to serve as co-facilitators. They formed a working alliance of facilitator rotation, continuing education, and future commitment. Presentation of a group member's progress during the group intervention clarifies the supportive focus and experiential dimensions of the intervention.