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Evaluating a bereavement support group

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2008

Nancy C. Maruyama  and
Clarisa V. Atencio
Nancy C. Maruyama*
Affiliation:
Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York
Clarisa V. Atencio
Affiliation:
Harlem Hospital, New York, New York
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Nancy C. Maruyama, Beth Israel Medical Center, 317 East 17th Street, Suite 5F09, New York, NY 10003. E-mail: nmaruyam@chpnet.org
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Abstract

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of an 8-week bereavement support group in a general hospital setting.

Methods:

We assessed grief and mood before and after an 8-week bereavement support group and compared dropouts to completers. Forty-seven participants filled out mood and grief questionnaires. Scores were compared with norms, then baseline and follow-up scores were analyzed by paired t tests. Fifteen dropouts' scores were compared with completers' baseline scores.

Results:

Participants' grief improved, as did depression in women but not men. Women dropouts scored significantly higher on Anger, Tension/Anxiety.

Significance of results:

Findings suggest men and women respond differently to bereavement groups. Bereaved individuals with high anger and tension may require interventions addressing their particular needs, with a focus on acceptance of negative emotions.

Keywords

BereavementGriefMoodUnresolved griefSupport groups
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , March 2008 , pp. 43 - 49
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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