Individual and group therapy equally effective for grieving older people

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-01-15 13:30

Australia; International; QLD

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Danish, Dutch and Australian scientists say individual and group therapy for grieving older adults are equally effective. The team compared outcomes between 56 grieving people aged over 65 who took part in group therapy sessions and 57 who attended individual therapy sessions. Both groups attended 12 weekly sessions using the same intervention techniques, based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Similar improvements in symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) were seen in both groups after six months, as well as improvements in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The findings suggest group or individual therapy are both effective ways to help older adults cope with grief, the researchers conclude.