Contact Us
Research
Evaluation of Grief Therapy Approaches for Bereaved Parents
Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Funding Source: National Institute of Nursing Research R01NR019637
Project Period: 8/2021-5/2026
The goal of this multisite, mixed methods randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy in reducing prolonged grief and depression symptoms and in improving other psychosocial outcomes such as meaning in life in parents bereaved by cancer. Contact parentstudy@miami.edu for more information.
A Pilot Study of Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy for Parents Bereaved by Suicide
Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Funding Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Distinguished Investigator Award DIG-0-85-21
Project Period: 6/2023-5/2025
The goal of this study is to adapt Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy (MCGT) for parents bereaved by suicide using stakeholder feedback and to then pilot MCGT for survivors of suicide loss (MCGT-SSL) to determine its preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in reducing prolonged grief and depressive symptoms through a small open trial. Contact parentsupportstudy@miami.edu for more information.
A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of EMPOWER for Supporting Family Surrogates Study
Principal Investigators: Holly Prigerson, PhD & Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health National Institute of Nursing Research R01NR019831
Project Period: 4/2022-1/2026
The goal of this multisite, mixed methods randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy of EMPOWER (Enhancing & Mobilizing the Potential for Wellness & Emotional Resilience), an ultra-brief, scalable, flexibly-administered cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based intervention, in improving mental health outcomes for surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Contact icucaregiverstudy@miami.edu for more information.
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy to Meet Supportive Care Needs of Cancer Caregivers
Principal Investigator: Allison Applebaum, PhD
University of Miami Site Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Funding Source: National Cancer Institute R01CA285621
Project Period: 1/2024-12/2028
The goal of this multisite clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Caregivers (MCP-C) as compared to Supportive Psychotherapy for Caregivers in improving sense of meaning in life and psychosocial adjustment in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Bereavement outcomes will also be examined. Contact caregiverstudy@miami.edu for more information.
Text Messaging Support for Families Bereaved by Cancer
Principle Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal
Funding Source: Cancer Control Intra-Programmatic Research Program Award from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, supported by P30CA240139
Project Period: 3/1/2025-2/28/2026
This study aims to evaluate a low-cost, accessible, preventive text messaging intervention, Help Texts, to mitigate poor outcomes and provide continuity of care through bereavement.
Advancing Embedding Grief Care in Community Shelters for Women Experiencing Homelessness
Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal
Funding Source: Health Foundation of South Florida and Community Academic Collaborative (HFSF-CAC)
Project Period: 06/2024 – 09/2025
This study aims to adapt Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy (MCGT) and its standard comparator, Supportive Psychotherapy (SP), using the Transcreation Framework (TF) for Community-engaged Behavioral Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities. It will prepare for a Type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial, comparing the effectiveness of adapted MCGT to SP delivered at LH, and evaluating implementation barriers and facilitators. Stakeholder feedback will guide intervention refinement and trial methodology, leading to clinician training and the trial.
Impact of Parental Bereavement on Social Connection, Isolation, and Health
Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal
Funding Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development R21 HD109694
Project Period: 09/2024 – 08/2026
This study aims to identify intervention targets and strategies to address social isolation and strengthen social connections following the death of a child. A public health model of bereavement care tailored to individual needs will provide healthcare systems with evidence-based resources for bereavement support and community education. Contact: parentconnection@miami.edu.