The loss of the partner through death is a major risk factor for developing serious psychological problems including pathological grief, anxiety disorders and mood disorders. Targeted support of the widowed can have a preventive effect and reduce psychological problems resulting from the loss of the partner. A promising intervention are visiting services for the older widowed that are being set up in an increasing number of regions in the Netherlands. The program has been originally developed in
Conditions
Interventions
Experimental: visiting service.In the visiting service, recently widowed persons are offered to hold supportive one-to-one talks with trained fellow-sufferers. The objective is to provide social suppo
Sponsors
Trimbos Institute
(primary researcher: Simone Onrust
projectleader: Godelief Willemse)
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Widow/widower; 2. Aged 55 years or older; 3. Has lost his/her partner through death 6-12 months earlier; 4. Feels lonely according to the 'Lonelisness Scale'; 5. No mental disorder according to the MINI.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: When not met the five inclusion criteria mentioned above, people are excluded.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Mental health; 2. Cost-effectiveness. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Quality of life; 2. Grief process; 3. Mastery; 4. Loneliness. | — |
Contacts
Public ContactS. Onrust
Trimbos Institute - Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, P.O.Box 725
Outcome results
None listed