The National Archive of Grief Support Studies
The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.
Group Composition and Group Therapy for Complicated Grief
Authors:
Piper, William E.
Ogrodniczuk, John S.
Joyce, Anthony S.
Weideman, Rene
Rosie, John S.
Source:
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology: 2007, 75(1), pp. 116-125.
Summary
This article summarizes the results of a study in which researchers sought to investigate the impact of group composition on the outcomes for clients with complicated grief. The researchers investigated the effect of the percentage of participants in a group with high levels of quality of object relations on a variety of outcome measurements, including grief symptoms, distress, social functioning, and quality of life. Researchers assessed quality of object relations, defined as the level of maturity in relationships, by interviewing each client. Individuals with high quality of object relations had a lifelong pattern of mature relationships. The clients received either interpretive group therapy, led by a therapist whose primary objective was to enhance patient insight, or supportive group therapy, led by a therapist whose primary objective was to improve the clients’ adaptation to their life circumstances. Clients with high scores on quality of object relations assessments improved more in the interpretive groups, while clients with low scores on quality of object relations assessments improved more in supportive groups. Regardless of the therapeutic approach, all members of the groups benefitted when the group was composed of a higher percentage of participants with high levels of quality of object relations.
Key Words: group, complicated, object relations, adapt
Service Provider Implications
This article informs service providers that clients are more likely to benefit from group therapy when the group is composed of a relatively high percentage of clients with high levels of quality of object relations. Service providers may also benefit from understanding that groups composed with a high percentage of clients with low levels of quality of object relations tend to have high drop-out rates.
