Comparing Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, Supportive Counseling, and Enhanced Usual Care for Parents Who Lost a Child to Cancer

What this Trial Is About

This research evaluates three types of support programs for parents who have lost a child to cancer. It compares Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, Supportive Counseling, and Enhanced Usual Care to see how they affect grief and depression symptoms. The study is a multisite randomized controlled trial sponsored by the University of Miami focusing on treatment for bereaved parents. Participants receive one of three interventions for approximately 4 months or longer as needed. Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy involves 16 weekly sessions of 60 to 90 minutes delivered via videoconferencing along with a workbook. Supportive Psychotherapy also includes 16 weekly videoconference sessions to help participants express feelings and receive support. Enhanced Usual Care consists of standard care such as local therapy sessions plus additional resources. During the study, participants are closely monitored through various assessments including changes in prolonged grief and depression scale scores up to 10 months from baseline. Additional measures include anxiety, hopelessness, regret, posttraumatic growth, and grief severity ratings. The study tracks participants progress through questionnaires and interviews conducted remotely, with safety and symptom changes observed throughout the period.

Evaluation of Grief Therapy Approaches for Bereaved Parents