Citation

Wagner B, Hofmann L, Maaß U. Trials 2020; 21(1): e45.

Affiliation

Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/s13063-019-3891-5

PMID

31915044

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The death of a significant person through suicide is a very difficult experience and can have long-term impact on an individual's psychosocial and physical functioning. However, there are only few studies that have examined the effects of interventions in suicide survivors. In the present study, we examine an online-group intervention for people bereaved by suicide using a group-webinar.

METHODS: The intervention was developed based on focus groups with the target group. The cognitive-behavioral 12-module webinar-based group intervention focuses on suicide bereavement-related themes such as feelings of guilt, stigmatization, meaning reconstruction and the relationship to the deceased. Further, the webinar includes testimonial videos and psychoeducation. The suicide survivors are randomized to the intervention or the waiting list in a group-cluster randomized controlled trial. Primary outcomes are suicidality (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II) and secondary outcomes are symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (Inventory of Complicated Grief-German Version ), posttraumatic stress disorder ( Revised Impact of Event Scale ), stigmatization (Stigma of Suicide and Suicide Survivor ) and posttraumatic cognitions (Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory).

DISCUSSION: Previous studies of Internet-based interventions for the bereaved were based on writing interventions showing large treatment effects. Little is known about the use of webinars as group interventions. Advantages and challenges of this novel approach of psychological interventions will be discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00014426. Registered on 12 April 2018. PROTOCOL VERSION: 3, 21.10.2019.

Language: en

Keywords

Grief; Group intervention; Prolonged grief disorder; Randomized controlled trial; Suicidality; Suicide bereavement; Webinar