title: Can a function-based therapy for spousally bereaved seniors accrue benefits in both functional and emotional domains?
abstract: Late-life spousal bereavement has detrimental effects in daily functioning and emotional distress. This study tested the hypothesis that a therapy based exclusively upon functioning issues (sleep and daily lifestyle regularity) would accrue benefits in both functional and emotional domains. A comparison was made with a control therapy that concentrated on emotional issues, and specifically avoided discussing sleep or lifestyle regularity. Thirty-eight spousally bereaved seniors were randomly assigned to either functional or control therapy. Assessments were made before, during, and after a 6-month, 10-session individual therapy. The functional therapy assisted in both functional and emotional domains and the hypothesis was confirmed.
authors.affiliation: a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA.
authors.forename: Marissa K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Pfoff
authors.forename: Joette R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Zarotney
authors.forename: Timothy H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Monk
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001601:Bereavement; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D012890:Sleep; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017805:Widowhood / Q000523:psychology*