An Indigenous Psycho-Educational Group for Chinese Bereaved Family Members

Abstract

Detrimental effects of bereavement on physical, mental, social and psychological aspects of individuals can be found among bereaved Chinese. The authors have developed an indigenous practice model to work with bereaved family members among Chinese people in Hong Kong. The concept of bereavement was re-cast to include the idea that bereavement is a challenge that can aid in personal growth. Strategies were created to deal with the feelings of loss and separation positively. Programs in a "growth-oriented" psychosocial-educational group using multiple cognitive, behavioral and spiritual strategies were introduced. Throughout the sessions, messages of "Letting Go", "Self-Love", "Forgiveness" and "Transformation" were embedded in the programs by culturally relevant terms and concepts. A pre-group and post-group questionnaire as well as long interviews were used to evaluate the impact of the group on the participants. Participants of the bereavement groups showed significant improvements in somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, mood, self-acceptance, letting-go and transformation.