The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an unguided self-help program for people struggling with the loss of their partner, either by separation/divorce or death. The self-support program lasts 2 months and a half to 3 months. It was developed in German by a team from the University of Bern and has already proven its effectiveness. All participants will have direct access to the program (there will be no control group). The results obtained will be compared to those collected by the authors of the original program who administered the same intervention to a German-speaking population, however with support by e-mail. Participation is open to anyone aged 20 or over who has lost their partner through bereavement, divorce or separation at least 6 months ago, and who has difficulty overcoming this loss. However, it is not possible to participate if the person is on psychotherapeutic therapy, has started or changed psychotropic medication or if the person has any risk of suicide. Alternative possibilities of treatment will be proposed. The self-support consists of 10 modules, which contain information about the process of loss, self-reflection tasks, activities, questionnaires and self-observation grids. Participants are free to do the modules as many times as they wish. They will also be asked three times to complete questionnaires taking an average of 40 minutes. This will take place before the start of the program, at the end of the program, and 3 months after the end of the intervention. At the end of the program, participants will be asked for feedback on the program. These data and remarks will allow to rethink and improve the care of people with difficulties overcoming the loss of a loved one. Participants will be recruited by contacting various associations dealing with bereavement and / or separation, as well as by posting advertisements or articles in the media (social or conventional) in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
Age range
20 Years
Sex
ALL
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Change in complicated grief symptoms (score at the Inventory of Complicated Grief)
Timeframe: Pretest / 12-week posttest / 3-month Follow-up