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Bamwine PM, Wallace JM, Jaime MCD, Morrow SE, Booth J, Miller E. Exploring bereavement processes among BLACK adolescent male CO-VICTIMS of homicide. Soc Sci Med 2024; 352:116997. [PMID: 38815284 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Black adolescent males are disproportionally impacted by violence exposure and violent loss. The primary aim of this study was to explore the bereavement experiences of Black adolescent males who have lost a friend or family member to murder. Participants were Black adolescent males between the ages of 14-19 years. This was a purposive sample recruited from a community-based study that took place in urban neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Participants who completed their final survey for the parent study were recruited from January to June 2017. Participants completed a brief computerized survey and those who responded affirmatively to a screening question about losing a friend or family member to murder were invited to a qualitative interview. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify key themes. Among the 31 youth interviewed, 30 had lost more than one person to murder. Four primary themes emerged from their narratives: (1) self-preservation through isolation, (2) finding sanctuary through shared narratives of loss, (3) freedom from the mind, and (4) post-traumatic growth (i.e., motivation, healing, resilience). Findings suggest that interventions that provide sanctuary for youth that are culturally relevant and create opportunities for youth to process violent loss may aid in promoting opportunities for youth to grieve and heal from violent loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jaime Booth
- University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, USA
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Bamwine PM, Jones K, Chugani C, Miller E, Culyba A. Homicide Survivorship and Suicidality Among Adolescents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:185-192. [PMID: 34305479 DOI: 10.1037/trm0000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Homicide survivorship is linked to depression and trauma symptoms among adolescents, but little is known about associations with suicidality and how these associations intersect with other childhood adversities. This study examined the prevalence of homicide survivorship and associations with suicidality and childhood aversities among a population-based sample of youth using the Healthy Allegheny Teen Survey, a county-wide representative survey of 1,609 youth aged 14 to 19 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Logistic regression models examined associations between homicide survivorship and suicidality, adjusting for (a) demographics and (b) demographics and childhood adversities. In all, 13% of youth were homicide survivors. Black youth experienced a disproportionate burden of traumatic loss. Homicide survivorship was associated with suicide attempts and childhood adversities. Closer attention to the impact of homicide survivorship on youth, mental health sequelae, and co-occurrent childhood adversities may guide interventions to recognize and support youth following traumatic loss.
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MacKinnon CJ, Smith NG, Henry M, Milman E, Berish M, Farrace A, Körner A, Chochinov HM, Cohen SR. A Pilot Study of Meaning-Based Group Counseling for Bereavement. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/0030222815575002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Scientific studies demonstrating either the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions for uncomplicated bereavement are lacking. This study reports the results of a novel meaning-based group counseling (MBGC) intervention developed for bereaved adults. MBGC was built on previous scholarly critiques using a formative evaluation methodology within a group of bereaved adults ( n = 11). The primary research questions were as follows: (a) How do bereft individuals respond to MBGC? and (b) What refinements are needed to MBGC to ensure feasibility? A secondary research question was: (c) Is collection of quantitative outcome measures at baseline and postintervention feasible? Analysis of multiple qualitative data sources resulted in numerous refinements to MBGC. Results indicate that the majority of participants found the meaning-based intervention beneficial. Limitations included concurrent external therapies and a small sample size that was largely homogenous. There were no major counterindications to proceeding with a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. MacKinnon
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Balfour M. Mount Palliative Care Unit, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Palliative Care Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathan Grant Smith
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Melissa Henry
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Evgenia Milman
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mel Berish
- Student Services, Champlain College, St-Lambert, Québec, Canada
| | - Amanda Farrace
- Palliative Care Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Annett Körner
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Harvey M. Chochinov
- Community Health Sciences and Family Medicine (Division of Palliative Care), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - S. Robin Cohen
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Palliative Care Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Coombs M. A scoping review of family experience and need during end of life care in intensive care. Nurs Open 2015; 2:24-35. [PMID: 27708798 PMCID: PMC5047309 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To scope systematically and collate qualitative studies on family experience and need during end of life care in intensive care, from the perspective of family members. DESIGN Scoping review of qualitative research. METHODS Standardized processes of study identification, data extraction and data synthesis were used. Multiple bibliographic databases were accessed during 2011 and updated in 2013. RESULTS From an initial 876 references, 16 studies were identified for inclusion. These were predominantly single site, North American studies that explored issues relating to the temporal stages in the end of life trajectory and the requirement for information and emotional support at end of life. With a strong focus on family need and experience during the transition from active treatment to end of life care, more work is required to understand how doctors and nurses can support families from treatment withdrawal through to death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Coombs
- Graduate School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Victoria University Wellington Wellington 6242 New Zealand; Capital and Coast District Health Board Wellington Regional Hospital Wellington 6242 New Zealand
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MacKinnon CJ, Smith NG, Henry M, Milman E, Chochinov HM, Körner A, Berish M, Farrace AJ, Liarikos N, Cohen SR. Reconstructing Meaning with Others in Loss: A Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Bereavement Group. DEATH STUDIES 2015; 39:411-421. [PMID: 25674830 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2014.958628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
More effective psychosocial interventions that target uncomplicated bereavement are needed for those actively seeking support. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of evaluating a unique meaning-based group counseling (MBGC) intervention with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Twenty-six bereft individuals were randomly assigned to either MBGC or a control bereavement support group. Twenty participants (11 experimental, nine control) completed all aspects of the study including self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up of meaning in life, anxiety, depression, and grief. Results support the feasibility of an RCT with MBGC.
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Abstract
AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to illuminate experiences of finding meaning in life among spouses of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Method:Thirteen interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.Results:The spouses were struggling for meaning at the end of a dark tunnel. They felt limited and isolated in their proximity to death. They lived imprisoned lives, felt lonely, considered life to be unfair and incomplete, and mourned the loss of their future. However, they found meaning despite the proximity of death through cherishing their own lives, fellowship, accepting the present, and believing in meaning after the partner's death.Significance of results:Meaning in life strengthened spouses' well-being and ability to find pleasure in a difficult situation. It also strengthened their will to live after the partner's death. Limitations and isolations were strong predictors of what could impair their well-being and the possibility of finding meaning after the partner's death. Spouses need individual support throughout the disease process and after the partner's death, to give them the strength to find meaning in life and prioritize what is important for them. Paying attention to what might prevent them from finding meaning could make it easier to help them in their situation. Providing joint support to the patient and spouse might also help them to see each other's situation, come together, and help each other.
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