Primary intervention promoting quality of life in bereaved individuals: A pilot study

Abstract

Bereavement is rarely addressed from a public health perspective, despite the documented potential adverse effects on health. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a brief, transitional, primary health care intervention on grief symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and life satisfaction. The sample included 100 bereaved adults (76 women), aged 18–87, who had lost a first-degree relative within the preceding six months. Participants received a three-session, CBT-based intervention in a primary care setting. Pre- and post-intervention assessments showed significant reductions in grief manifestations and improvements in HRQOL and life satisfaction. Regression analysis revealed that baseline grief and life satisfaction predicted changes in grief outcomes. Being a bereaved partner emerged as a risk factor associated with less improvement in grief. Time since the loss did not predict outcomes. These findings underline the potential of such interventions in primary care and warrant further investigation.