Grief Research Unit - Research

Those who will benefit from this project are people who have suffered the loss of another through suicide, health and welfare professionals, carers, service agencies and support groups, employers, educational institutions and government departments.

The project was assisted and supported by a Reference Group consisting of representation from consumers, the Coroner’s Office, community mental health services, general practice and psychiatry. Members of this group are listed below:

Information about the project was disseminated through the media and over 340 requests were received from people bereaved through suicide to participate in the project. Responses have been enthusiastic and from across all age groups and genders. In some instances, several members of the same family have become involved. Sad stories and experiences have been told, indicating a strong need for this project. This indication was further supported by letters and emails from people interstate and overseas who were unable to participate.

Research Design

A concurrent mixed-method design (Creswell 2003) research approach was chosen for its ability to best address the project objectives within the given time parameters. This is a multi-strand design in which both qualitative and quantitative data are collected by the same method and analysed to answer a single type of research question. The two types of data may be collected independently, at the same time or with a time lag.

Different questionnaires were developed for consumers and health professionals and piloted prior to implementation. Topics for exploration in the questionnaires were determined following a literature review as well as by the personal local knowledge of the researchers and advisory group. Following a search for existing instruments and personal communication with international postvention experts, a number of relevant task-specific questionnaires were obtained from overseas. Some required translation in order to ascertain their usefulness. Questionnaires from Norway (Dyregrov, Nordanger and Dyregrov 2003), were found to most suit the study’s objectives as they too focused on postvention in similar areas of interest. The questionnaires were officially translated and then adapted, with permission of the authors to suit the South Australian context and needs. The questionnaires collected both numerical, statistical (quantitative) data and narrative text (qualitative) data.

Community Support

The high level of support for the research project was not only from individuals, but also from community groups. For example, the Funeral Directors Association wrote to all their members asking that they support the study and assisted by sending questionnaires to all of their members. Community radio was also extremely supportive by making announcements on ethnic radio stations and distributing information about the study. It was encouraging to receive this type of support from within the community.

The full report with executive recommendations is available from the below link:

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Loss and grief in general practice: the development and evaluation of two instruments to detect and measure grief in general practice patients

This study developed and evaluated two instruments, a questionnaire, the Grief Diagnostic Instrument, and an interview, the Grief Diagnostic Interview to detect and measure the extant state of grief in general practice patients. These instruments investigate grief from past, present and impending death and non-death related losses occurring directly to the patient, as well as caused indirectly through experiencing grief in sympathy with the grief of others. The unique feature of these instruments is that they investigate grief from all losses rather than merely a single loss.

The questionnaire was demonstrated to be a concise, valid, reliable and sensitive measure, and acceptable to general practice patients. It is suitable for epidemiological studies to detect a broad range of losses and to investigate the prevalence and severity of grief in general practice patients. It is also suitable for comparing the course and severity of grief between losses and identifying commonalities and differences. The interview was found to be an acceptable and valid instrument for undertaking clinical studies. Suggestions for further evaluation of the instruments, and for their uses in grief research and as clinical tools have been proposed.

Initial findings suggested a high prevalence of grief in general practice patients and demonstrated grief to be a previously unrecognised significant mental health issue for general practice. The lack of recognition of grief by subjects was demonstrated,. The hypothesis that loss and grief are under diagnosed and under treated in general practicewas supported. This indicates the need for a new paradigm of loss and grief in general practice and for large-scale studies to investigate grief in general practice patients and the detection rate by general practitioners.

Thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University fo Adelaide, 2003: Sheila Elizabeth Clark

To obtain a copy of the instruments email Dr Sheila Clark

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Mapping Grief: An active approach to grief resolution

This study developed a clinical tool, the Grief Map, which is designed to assist those who are grieving death and non-death losses. The map provides a constructive multidimensional framework for dealing with the phenomena of the grieving process and for rebuilding life following major loss. The method of developing the map and its various uses as an assessment, educational and therapeutic tool are detailed with illustrative case examples. The underlying precepts on which the map is based and its correlates with current theory and research are discussed. The limitations of the map and issues for further research are discussed.

Death Studies (2001). 25:531-548.

To obtain a copy of the Grief Map email Dr Sheila Clark

Lessons From A Community’s Response To The Death Of Diana, Princess Of Wales

The death of Diana, Princess of Wales, resulted in an international phenomenon of grief rarely seen. In South Australia, research was undertaken on one aspect of public grief that has received little study - the impact of such an event on the utilisation of grief support and counselling services. A survey of 65 community service organizations revealed a pattern of increased service requests in the three weeks following Diana’s death, particularly amongst grief-related organizations. The study identified persons who appeared more vulnerable to this public loss event; how community members tried to cope with their grief; strategies used by community organizations to assist; the impact on helpers; and suggestions for improved responses to future public loss events. The findings of this study are seen as important in helping service providers and community leaders to prepare for reactions to other public loss events.

Omega 2003: 46(1): 35049.

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