Faculty Collaboration Database

Group intervention to improve coping with AIDS-related bereavement: model development and an illustrative clinical example. AIDS Care 1995;7(4):463-75

Date

01/01/1995

Pubmed ID

8547361

DOI

10.1080/09540129550126416

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0028790253 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   30 Citations

Abstract

Despite the widespread losses from AIDS, there have been no published evaluations of mental health interventions for people experiencing AIDS-related bereavement. We describe a cognitive behavioural coping model for support group interventions with people who experience an AIDS-related loss. The support group model consists of six primary components to address grief-related responses and the unique features of AIDS bereavement: social support and group cohesion; identification and expression of emotion; identification of AIDS loss specific coping challenges; recognition of current coping; goal setting; and, implementation of adaptive coping to reduce psychological distress. The model integrates theories of cognitive behavioural coping within a social support group context. Results of a pilot study with four men and four women showed that the intervention model cast into eight group sessions significantly reduced depression, intrusive experiences, grief reactions, demoralization, and overall psychological distress immediately following the intervention and at a 3-month follow-up assessment. The intervention appeared to facilitate the adjustment of these bereaved persons and warrants further study.

Author List

Sikkema KJ, Kalichman SC, Kelly JA, Koob JJ

Author

Jeffrey A. Kelly PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Bereavement
Emotions
Female
Goals
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Models, Psychological
Pilot Projects
Self-Help Groups
Social Support