Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy for Parents Bereaved by Cancer: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial

Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Funding Source: National Institute of Nursing Research R01
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.

Adaptation 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
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 parentstudy@miami.edu for more information.

A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of EMPOWER for Family Surrogates of Critically Ill Patients

Principal Investigators: Holly Prigerson, PhD & Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health National Institute of Nursing Research R01
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 Palliative Care Needs of Cancer Caregivers

Principal Investigator: Allison Applebaum, PhD
University of Miami Site Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Funding Source: National Cancer Institute R01
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 cabc@miami.edu for more information.

Development and Evaluation of a Mobile-Responsive App to Reduce Fear of Recurrence in Rare Cancer Survivors

Awarded Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal, PhD
Acting Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Principal Investigator: Christian Nelson, PhD
Funding Source: Cycle for Survival’s Equinox Innovation Award in Rare Cancers
Project Period: 9/2019 - 12/2022 (still recruiting)

The goal of this study is to adapt and evaluate the promise of a mobile app, iThrive, in improving fear of cancer recurrence and other psychological outcomes in rare cancer survivors. The impact of iThrive on physiological outcomes and dose effects are also being examined. Contact aimstudy@mskcc.org for more information.