Year: 2000 Source: Death Studies, v.24, no.6, (September 2000), p.541-558 SIEC No: 20010809

A comprehensive quantitative review of published randomized controlled outcome studies of grief counselling & therapy suggests such interventions are typically ineffective, & perhaps even harmful, at least for persons experiencing normal bereavement. On the other hand, there is some evidence grief therapy is more beneficial & safer for those who have been traumatically bereaved. This article considers the findings of Davis et al (2000) & their implications for a meaning reconstruction approach to grief therapy, arguing that an expanded conception of meaning is necessary to provide a stronger basis for clinical intervention. (39 refs.)