The grieving process after the loss of a loved one decreases over time. However, 1/10 people experience a worsening of their symptomatology and develop Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).
PGD is associated with an increased likelihood of developing other psychological problems and with a worsening quality of sleep and general health. Despite its clinical relevance, there is no consensus on its prevalence and associated risk and protective factors. Although Evidence-Based Psychological Treatments (EBPT) exist for this problem, difficulties in accessing them remain a problem.
Internet-based treatments can reach more people, but studies report a high number of dropouts and participants who drop out express the need for more therapeutic support. Increasing the level of therapist support through a blended format could improve adherence to these interventions, as could the incorporation of mobile applications that complement these treatments by facilitating psychological assessments and interventions to be carried out in the natural context of the participant (Ecological Momentary Intervention and Ecological Momentary Assessment). This would improve motivation and commitment to treatment, facilitating adherence.
The main objectives of this project are: to evaluate the efficacy of two formats of applying an internet-based treatment for PGD (a blended format combining the program with videoconference sessions with a therapist and the program supported by EMAs and EMIs), compared to a wait-list control group; to explore the feasibility of the two treatment formats and to conduct a longitudinal cohort epidemiological study analyzing prevalence, course, risk and protective factors in Spanish general population at four different time points (baseline, 4, 8 and 12 months).
Reference: PID2022-137115OB-I00
Duration: 3 years (from 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2026)
Funding entity:
Ministry of Science and Innovation (co-financing FEDER FUNDS).
Knowledge Generation Projects. State Plan for Scientific-Technical Research and Innovation 2021-2023.
PI: Soledad Quero
Participating institutions:
- Universitat Jaume I
- Valencia International University
