Older Bereaved Individuals’ Experiences of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Complicated Grief Reactions: A Qualitative Multistage Focus Group Approach

Abstract

Bereavement is particularly common in old age. A small proportion of bereaved people develop complicated grief reactions (CGR) characterized by elevated symptoms of depression, prolonged grief disorder, anxiety, and/or posttraumatic stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for CGR (CBTgrief) is found to be an effective treatment. Detailed knowledge about older adults’ experiences of CBTgrief is needed to optimize treatment and to give recommendations to practice. To explore older adults’ experience of CBTgrief to gain insight into elements that were helpful or less helpful. Four multistage focus group interviews were conducted with nine older adults who lost a partner and received CBTgrief and three researchers. Five participants received group therapy and four individual therapy (mean age = 69.67 years, 89% women). The participants found exposure exercises, psychoeducation in grief, and letter writing particularly helpful. The participants requested options for family sessions, a combined individual/group format, and follow-up sessions. Awareness of potential memory problems and adapting to new practical tasks should receive greater focus in therapy. This study gives important insights into older adults’ experiences of CBTgrief and evaluates the helpful and less helpful elements in grief therapy. This may guide improvements in the treatment of bereaved older adults with CGR.