The Effect of a Support Group on Grieving Individual’s Levels of Perceived Support and Stress

This study examined the effects of support group participation on bereaved individual’s levels of perceived support & stress. Using a single group pretest/posttest design, data were collected from a sample of 21 individuals who participated in 10 weekly support group sessions. Perceived stress decreased significantly. Perceived support increased but the change was not statistically significant. These findings indicate that support groups can be an effective intervention for bereaved individuals.