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.
TAT Results in a Longitudinal Study of Bereaved College Students
Authors:
Balk, David E.
Lampe, Susan
Sharpe, Brenda
Schwinn, Sherri
Holen, Kristy
Cook, Leann
Dubois, Richard
Source:
Death Studies: 1998. Volume 22, Issue 1, pp. 3-21.
Summary
This study analyzed data obtained from 141 bereaved and nonbereaved college students. The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) was used to elicit responses regarding death, grief, coping, and affiliation. Analyses were based upon grouping the students into three categories: bereaved students who participated in support groups, bereaved students who did not participate in support groups, and nonbereaved students. The authors identified some significant differences among the groups, as well as a number of similarities. Bereaved students not in support groups showed the highest initial level of use of themes of grief and death. Bereaved students in support groups showed a lower initial use of themes of grief and death, followed by nonbereaved students, who showed the lowest levels of use of grief and death themes. Groups showed minimal differences in themes of coping and affiliation.
Key words: college, support
Service Provider Implications
Service providers should be aware that college students may be experiencing grief and may benefit from participation in grief support groups.
