Risk and protective factors for symptom reduction following traumatic grief focused CBT

Abstract

Background: Although it appears evident that emotional consequences of homicidal loss merit clinical attention, options for both preventative and curative treatments are scarce. To date, few studies have examined treatments specifically targeting emotional problems of homicidally bereaved individuals. Objective: To offer a preliminary evaluation of the potential effects of a traumatic grief-focused outreaching model of care. Method: Pre- and post-treatment data were obtained from 942 individuals who underwent traumatic-grief focused CBT provided by ASSIST Trauma Care UK designed specifically for homicide survivors. Baseline levels of PTSD, prolonged grief disorder, anxiety, depression and general functioning as well as change scores were estimated using latent growth models in Amos. Sociodemographic, therapy and homicide related characteristics were included as predictors. Results: A significant decline in scores was found on all measures, and effects were found on sociodemographic, therapy and homicide related characteristics, both on op baseline levels and change scores. Conclusions: The shown impact of several predictors on baseline and change scores underlines the importance to tailor treatment to the specific needs associated with individual and homicide related characteristics following a homicide.