A study on the intervention effect of a structured grief counseling program on grief responses in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.
Feng Gong, Jia Yu
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of structured grief counseling on grief responses in family caregivers of advanced cancer patients. Conducted from October 2024 to November 2025, the study found that the intervention significantly reduced anticipatory grief and improved post-traumatic growth and health-related quality of life, with estimates of -9.31 for grief and increases of 6.02 and 5.97 for growth and quality of life, respectively (P < 0.001).
Key findings
- The intervention group had a significant reduction in Anticipatory Grief Scale scores (estimates = -9.31, P < 0.001).
- Post-traumatic Growth Inventory scores were significantly higher in the intervention group (estimates = 6.02, P < 0.001).
- Health-related quality of life improved significantly in the intervention group (estimates = 5.97, P < 0.001).
- No significant differences were found for Bereavement Guilt, Anxiety, or Depression Scale scores.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the importance of structured grief counseling in improving the emotional and psychological well-being of family caregivers during a critical period, suggesting that such interventions can enhance bereavement care in oncology and hospice settings.