An Evaluation of the Living After Loss Intervention - Part 1: Do Bereavement-Related Outcomes Vary by the Content of Support Groups?

This article explores whether the substantive content and specific topics addressed during a 14-week support group can alter the bereavement-related outcomes of widowed older adults over time. It draws on data from the Living After Loss study, which developed a novel support group based on the Dual Process Model of bereavement and provides empirical evidence tracking the longitudinal outcomes of older bereaved spouses. Findings suggest that unless the content is universally relevant, the messaging and topics addressed during the support group do not alter the bereavement-related outcomes of widowed persons over time.