Citation

Higson-Smith C. Am. J. Orthopsychiatry 2014; 84(5): 487-495.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Orthopsychiatric Association, Publisher Wiley Blackwell)

DOI

10.1037/ort0000009

PMID

25089758

Abstract

Many help-seeking torture survivors in sub-Saharan Africa report sudden or violent bereavements, as well as risk factors associated with complicated grief. This mixed-methods article reviews 85 therapeutic client files from torture treatment centers in 3 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Thirty-nine clients had lost loved ones and were at greater risk for depression (effect size 0.65) and thoughts of suicide (OR = 4.99). Qualitative analysis of case histories and interviews with clients elaborate the links between torture and complicated grief. Recommendations are offered for the treatment of complicated grief in sub-Saharan torture survivors, and implications for assessment, timing, and treatment duration are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

Language: en