Preventing prolonged grief: Effectiveness and predictors of outcome in a palliative care selective intervention

This project investigates the prevention of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) among
relatives of patients receiving palliative care. Prolonged grief has been recognized as a mental health condition associated with significant psychological distress and functional impairment, particularly among caregivers and family members of individuals with terminal illness.
The study evaluates the effectiveness of a selective psychological intervention
(EMPOWER) designed to prevent prolonged grief symptoms among individuals at risk. The intervention is compared with treatment as usual in a palliative care context, with the aim of assessing its impact on grief symptoms and general psychological distress. In addition to testing the efficacy of the intervention, the project also aims to identify predictors of treatment response, including psychological and contextual factors that may influence outcomes. Understanding these predictors will contribute to improving and tailoring preventive interventions for individuals at risk of prolonged grief in
palliative care settings.