Evaluating a bereavement support group.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Maruyama
Nancy C
NC
Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York 10003, USA. nmaruyam@chpnet.org
Atencio
Clarisa V
CV
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D001601:Bereavement; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support