Broad-Spectrum Group Treatment for Parents Bereaved by the Violent Deaths of Their 12-to 28-Year-Old Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study assessed the efficacy of a 10-week broad-spectrum intervention offered to bereaved parents about 4 months after the deaths of their 12--28-year-old children due to accidents, homicide, or suicide. For three outcomes of distress there was a significant interaction between treatment and baseline values for each outcome for mothers both immediately posttreatment and 6 months later. The intervention appeared to be the most beneficial for mothers most distressed at baseline. Fathers showed no immediate benefits of treatment. Further research is needed to investigate these unexpected results for fathers and to further characterize those who benefit from similar programs.