There is growing evidence investigating the aftermath of homicide on those families bereaved. The literature suggests a potentially devastating emotional and psychological impact on family members and loved ones. Despite this, the research focused on developing and empirically evaluating service provision and clinical interventions for this population is sparse and lends its focus to support groups (Blakley & Mehr, 2008) and family therapy (Hatton, 2003). The aim of the current thesis is to conduct an evaluation of a service that provides therapeutic interventions with those bereaved by homicide. It will present a mixed methods approach, utilising thematic analysis of interviews with staff members and quantitative analysis of service user’s psychological distress outcomes. Finally, based on key findings presented, implications for future research, policy development and practice are included.

Trauma and grief often co-occur, however the degree to which these two constructs overlap or are distinguishable is still poorly understood. Homicidally bereaved individuals are exposed to both trauma and loss-related stressors. Previously collected data were used to explore the relationship between trauma and grief components in homicide bereavement distress, and whether homicide bereavement distress was distinguishable from that of other adverse life events. The overarching research question for this study was: Are event and loss related distress distinguishable among siblings bereaved by homicide,1 as measured on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R)? Data from 67 individuals who lost a sibling to murder while growing up (Murder Group) were compared to data from 80 comparison individuals who grew up with a sibling (Comparison Group), but who had no experience of homicide bereavement. A cross-sectional, iterative survey design using group comparisons was used. Participants in the Murder Group reported significantly higher levels of current subjective distress compared with the Comparison Group. Among the siblings bereaved by the homicide loss of a sibling, event- and loss-related subjective distresses were highly and significantly correlated. In addition, both decreased significantly over time (years), and at similar rates. Preliminary findings from exploratory analyses of the IES-R provide insight into the avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal components of subjective distress following homicide loss. Findings will inform understanding of the overlap, and distinguishing features, of concurrent trauma and grief. Implications for theory and empirical research are noted, and recommendations for future research and counselling practice are discussed. / Graduate / 2017-09-13 / simpson9@uvic.ca

This narrative inquiry study collected stories from parents and teachers to build a deep understanding of the lived experiences of raising or teaching children affected by traumatic grief. Research shows that children who experience adversity or loss as trauma, including childhood traumatic grief, may experience long- term disruptions to executive functions and present learning, behavioural and social challenges within school settings. Current research indicates that the adoption of trauma-informed care practices within schools can successfully support students who have experienced trauma and/or childhood traumatic grief. In particular, the development of strong family-school collaboration, understood recently as a form of working alliance, is key in effectively supporting students experiencing mental health issues, including childhood traumatic grief. Using a narrative inquiry approach, this study shares the stories of three women, a mother, a teacher by profession, and a mother who is a teacher by profession, to develop deep understanding of what is being experienced in supporting children affected by childhood traumatic stress and grief. The findings from this study affirmed the need for increased understanding and awareness of the ways that trauma can impact the education of children affected by trauma. The findings also confirmed that insecure attachments can be mitigated with consistent and attuned care. To do this effectively as educators, there is need for increased resources and supports within the schools. This study confirmed the need for increased collaboration to develop strong relationships between students, parents and teachers. The need for collaboration is essential for the successful support of students struggling with the affects of trauma and these findings affirm current conversations on the importance of trauma-informed approaches, relational schools and working alliances.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Complicated Grief is a relatively new concept that is globally debated by psychiatrists and psychologists. The time has come for social workers to join this debate and to develop and implement programmes to address the consequences following complicated grief, specifically which results in impaired social functioning. Complicated Grief, prolonged grief and traumatic grief are all synonyms. The term 'complicated grief is the preferred concept used in this research. Article 1 is a literature overview on factors leading to complicated grief and at the same time attempts to link these factors to the South African circumstances. South African citizens are not exempted from experiencing complicated grief. Cultural beliefs on death and dying, AIDS and cancer-related deaths, crime and sociopolitical deaths are but some of the risk factors. She furthermore highlights complicated grief as a matter to be assessed by social workers. The normality of grief is questioned when the grief experience prohibits the individual to regain a state of social functioning as close as possible to the pre-loss state. Complicated grief is regarded by many researchers as a specific condition in need of specific intervention. The efficacy of bereavement intervention in the case of normal grief is questioned, and it seems that individuals who experience complicated grief benefit more from bereavement intervention. Article 2 attempts to clarify the necessity to screen clients prior to including them in a complicated grief intervention programme by discussing the Inventory of Traumatic Grief as developed by Prigerson and colleagues. The researcher furthermore introduces the Grief Assessment Guide (GASsG) as an assessment tool during the screening process. In article 3 the researchers tabulate some of the most important models/approaches to bereavement and discuss its applicability to Complicated Grief. Specific attention is given to the Dual Process Model (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) and the task-centred approach (a social work approach to therapy) in an attempt to develop a model for Complicated Grief Intervention. This article furthermore proposes the Complicated Grief Intervention Model (CGIM) through the integration of the dual process model and the task-centred approach, while drawing on intervention techniques from other therapeutic approaches. Article 4 explains the implementation of the Complicated Grief Intervention Programme (CGIP) with the CGIM as framework for intervention. The researchers briefly discuss some of the intervention techniques, such as desensitization, visualization, client-log, miracle question, metaphors, rituals and humour. These techniques assist the social worker and the client towards achieving the goal. The CGIP is a time-limited interventions programme. It consists of, and is based on, the three steps of the CGIM: assessment, implementation and evaluation/termination. Although the CGIP has not been scientifically tested, it holds the potential to serve as a guided programme for social workers in the field of grief and bereavement. Article 5 is a discussion of the empirical findings of the research. This article describes the implementation of the proposed CGIP in the South African context. This article furthermore aims at evaluating the feasibility of implementing the CGIP rather than testing the effectiveness of the programme. Section C summarizes and evaluates the research and makes recommendations regarding its value and the value of possible future research on complicated grief in the South African context. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Complicated Grief is a relatively new concept that is globally debated by psychiatrists and psychologists. The time has come for social workers to join this debate and to develop and implement programmes to address the consequences following complicated grief, specifically which results in impaired social functioning. Complicated Grief, prolonged grief and traumatic grief are all synonyms. The term 'complicated grief is the preferred concept used in this research. Article 1 is a literature overview on factors leading to complicated grief and at the same time attempts to link these factors to the South African circumstances. South African citizens are not exempted from experiencing complicated grief. Cultural beliefs on death and dying, AIDS and cancer-related deaths, crime and sociopolitical deaths are but some of the risk factors. She furthermore highlights complicated grief as a matter to be assessed by social workers. The normality of grief is questioned when the grief experience prohibits the individual to regain a state of social functioning as close as possible to the pre-loss state. Complicated grief is regarded by many researchers as a specific condition in need of specific intervention. The efficacy of bereavement intervention in the case of normal grief is questioned, and it seems that individuals who experience complicated grief benefit more from bereavement intervention. Article 2 attempts to clarify the necessity to screen clients prior to including them in a complicated grief intervention programme by discussing the Inventory of Traumatic Grief as developed by Prigerson and colleagues. The researcher furthermore introduces the Grief Assessment Guide (GASsG) as an assessment tool during the screening process. In article 3 the researchers tabulate some of the most important models/approaches to bereavement and discuss its applicability to Complicated Grief. Specific attention is given to the Dual Process Model (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) and the task-centred approach (a social work approach to therapy) in an attempt to develop a model for Complicated Grief Intervention. This article furthermore proposes the Complicated Grief Intervention Model (CGIM) through the integration of the dual process model and the task-centred approach, while drawing on intervention techniques from other therapeutic approaches. Article 4 explains the implementation of the Complicated Grief Intervention Programme (CGIP) with the CGIM as framework for intervention. The researchers briefly discuss some of the intervention techniques, such as desensitization, visualization, client-log, miracle question, metaphors, rituals and humour. These techniques assist the social worker and the client towards achieving the goal. The CGIP is a time-limited interventions programme. It consists of, and is based on, the three steps of the CGIM: assessment, implementation and evaluation/termination. Although the CGIP has not been scientifically tested, it holds the potential to serve as a guided programme for social workers in the field of grief and bereavement. Article 5 is a discussion of the empirical findings of the research. This article describes the implementation of the proposed CGIP in the South African context. This article furthermore aims at evaluating the feasibility of implementing the CGIP rather than testing the effectiveness of the programme. Section C summarizes and evaluates the research and makes recommendations regarding its value and the value of possible future research on complicated grief in the South African context. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This thesis investigates the literature on trauma and grief in order to explore the existence of the phenomenon of traumatic grief in children. Appropriate therapies are explored for treating traumatic grief in children. The focus in this research is on non-directive art therapy as the literature has found it to be useful in traumatic circumstances. The therapeutic relationship and the focus on containment are valuable in addressing the primary need of the child in therapy especially when traumatic grief is to be addressed. A qualitative case study approach was chosen. Two case studies were selected to investigate the phenomenon of traumatic grief in children. Purposeful sampling was used to select the cases to observe the phenomenon of traumatic grief. The case studies included pre-therapy and post-therapy assessments, which included cognitive, emotional and behavioural assessments. Art therapy was found to address the problems in the two cases. / Educational Studies / M.Ed.

This thesis investigates the literature on trauma and grief in order to explore the existence of the phenomenon of traumatic grief in children. Appropriate therapies are explored for treating traumatic grief in children. The focus in this research is on non-directive art therapy as the literature has found it to be useful in traumatic circumstances. The therapeutic relationship and the focus on containment are valuable in addressing the primary need of the child in therapy especially when traumatic grief is to be addressed. A qualitative case study approach was chosen. Two case studies were selected to investigate the phenomenon of traumatic grief in children. Purposeful sampling was used to select the cases to observe the phenomenon of traumatic grief. The case studies included pre-therapy and post-therapy assessments, which included cognitive, emotional and behavioural assessments. Art therapy was found to address the problems in the two cases. / Educational Studies / M.Ed.

Frågan om ”normal” respektive ”patologisk” sorg har under en lång tid varit ett omdiskuterat ämne inom psykologin och psykiatrin. En grupp forskare har tagit fram kriterier på ett syndrom som fått benämningen ihållande sorg (”prolonged grief”). Studier har visat på att ihållande sorg är ett distinkt syndrom separat från depression, posttraumatisk stressyndrom och generaliserat ångestsyndrom. Ihållande sorg föreslås ingå som en diagnos i de kommande versionerna av de diagnostiska manualerna DSM och ICD. Syftet med denna studie var att översätta självskattningsinstrumentet Prolonged Grief Disorder (PG-13) till svenska, och undersöka dess reliabilitet och validitet genom bland annat en explorativ och konfirmatorisk faktoranalys. Studien genomfördes på ett annonsrekryterat heterogent sample (n=162 varav 90 % var kvinnor) vad gäller typ av dödsfall och relation till den avlidne. Respondenterna besvarade en webb- eller pappersenkät som bestod av 75 items. PG-13 bedöms ha en hög reliabilitet, god begrepps- och samtidig validitet samt en måttlig diskriminativ validitet.