Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

The GriefDiff study is a randomized controlled trial evaluating a differentiated, community-based model of grief support for older adults. It compares three intervention levels-Information and Grief Literacy (IGLiteracy), Individual Self-Help Program (ISelfHP), and Moderated Self-Help Groups (MSHGroups)-to assess their effectiveness in reducing prolonged grief and psychological distress. Participants are screened for risk of Prolonged Grief Disorder and relational needs, then randomized to matched or non-matched interventions. Outcomes are measured at baseline, post-intervention (3 months), and follow-up (6 months), focusing primarily on prolonged grief symptoms and secondarily on depression, anxiety, stress, attachment, social support, and traumatic stress. The study aims to provide evidence for a cost-effective, scalable, and preventive public health model of bereavement care.

The main aim of this project is to test the efficacy of two formats of delivering an internet- based treatment(GROw) for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) in order to enhance treatment adherence: in a blended format (that combines self-applied treatment online with face-to face sessions with a therapist by videoconference: BF-GROw) and self-applied online format supported by Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMAs) and Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs) (iGROw), compared with a waiting list (WL) control group in a community sample of patients with the diagnosis of PGD. The general initial hypothesis is that both treatment conditions (blended format and self-applied format supported by EMAs and EMIs) will significantly produce an improvement in grief symptoms, compared to the WL control group.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) works to reduce symptoms of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) in adults. PGD happens when the pain of losing a loved one lasts a long time and causes serious problems in daily life. * The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Does EFT lower grief symptoms in adults with PGD? 2. Does EFT also help with related problems, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and overall distress? * Who can take part: Adults (18 years or older) who lost a loved one at least 6 months ago and meet the criteria for PGD. \- What will happen in the study: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1. EFT group: 8 to 10 weekly, face-to-face therapy sessions with a trained therapist. 2. Self-help group: 10 weekly self-help exercises based on EFT, completed on their own. * All participants will complete questionnaires on grief, mood, and well-being before starting, during the study, at the end of treatment (12 weeks), and again at 5 months and 12 months after starting. * In the EFT group, the therapeutic relationship will also be measured during sessions 3 and 8. * Why this study is important: Most current treatments for grief are based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, but not everyone benefits from them. EFT is a promising therapy that focuses on emotions and has shown positive results for other mental health problems. This trial will test if EFT can be an effective treatment for people struggling with prolonged grief.