Effects of participation in a self-help group for bereaved parents: compassionate friends.
Results of a panel survey study on bereaved parents are reported. Member and non-member groups, reflecting increasing levels of involvement in Compassionate Friends, are compared for trends in changes in depression and personal growth. While no differences in depression were detected a linear trend was evidenced in personal growth. Those parents who were most involved in the group were more likely to maintain a sense of positive personal change over the one year time span of the study. Reasons for the specific impact of self help group involvement are discussed.
D002648:Child; D003863:Depression; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States