Worden's Task‐Based Approach for Prolonged Grief Disorder in COVID ‐19 Bereaved Adults

Introduction The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to widespread bereavement and an increased prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), which significantly impairs daily functioning. Addressing the mental health needs of adults who have lost close relatives to COVID‐19 is critical. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Worden's task‐based grief counselling model in reducing symptoms of PGD, anxiety and depression and in improving quality of life among COVID‐19‐bereaved adults. Methods A randomised controlled trial design was used involving 100 Iranian adults diagnosed with PGD after losing first‐degree relatives to COVID‐19. Participants were randomised to either a six‐session, weekly group counselling intervention based on Worden's model or a control group. Outcomes were assessed using the Grief Experience Questionnaire (GEQ), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and WHOQOL‐BREF for quality of life. Both groups were matched for key sociodemographic and clinical variables at baseline. Results The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in grief, anxiety and depression scores (all p < 0.01, large effect sizes) compared to the control group. Moreover, participants receiving the intervention showed improvements across multiple domains of quality of life. Discussion Worden's task‐based grief counselling model is effective in reducing symptoms of PGD, anxiety and depression and in improving quality of life among adults bereaved by COVID‐19. Its structured, task‐oriented approach addresses pandemic‐specific bereavement challenges such as disrupted rituals, social isolation and stigma. The study supports integrating this model into bereavement care, though further research is needed to confirm its generalisability and long‐term effects.