Thecla Damianakis1, Elsa Marziali. 1. School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada. damianak@uwindsor.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the role of spirituality in helping older adults grieve the loss of a spouse in the context of a model of group psychotherapy. METHODS:Twenty-four older adults, ranging in age from 65 to 82, whose spouses had died in the previous year, were assigned, in groups of six, to a 14-week group therapy intervention facilitated by trained, experienced co-therapist social workers. All sessions were audio recorded. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis of the four therapy groups at beginning, middle and ending sessions yielded salient themes that illustrate associations between spirituality and shifts in self-identity, mourning the loss and social re-engagement. DISCUSSION: Observed were within process acknowledgement of the role played by spiritual beliefs in mourning the loss of a spouse. Implications for group intervention for older adults grieving the loss of a spouse are discussed.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the role of spirituality in helping older adults grieve the loss of a spouse in the context of a model of group psychotherapy. METHODS: Twenty-four older adults, ranging in age from 65 to 82, whose spouses had died in the previous year, were assigned, in groups of six, to a 14-week group therapy intervention facilitated by trained, experienced co-therapist social workers. All sessions were audio recorded. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis of the four therapy groups at beginning, middle and ending sessions yielded salient themes that illustrate associations between spirituality and shifts in self-identity, mourning the loss and social re-engagement. DISCUSSION: Observed were within process acknowledgement of the role played by spiritual beliefs in mourning the loss of a spouse. Implications for group intervention for older adults grieving the loss of a spouse are discussed.
Authors: Anne K Schwabenbauer; Cynthia M Knight; Nicole Downing; Michelle Morreale-Karl; Michelle E Mlinac Journal: Fam Syst Health Date: 2021-06 Impact factor: 1.569