Evaluation of Grief Therapy Approaches for Bereaved Parents

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.

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
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 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 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 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 caregiverstudy@miami.edu for more information.

Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App to Reduce Fear of Recurrence in 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.

Partnerships for Health Equity with the University of Miami (Health Foundation of South Florida and Community Academic Collaborative) - 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
Project Period: 06/2024 – 06/2025

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.

Social Isolation: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, R21 HD109694 – Impact of Parental Bereavement on Social Connection, Isolation, and Health

Principal Investigator: Wendy Lichtenthal
Funding Source: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program
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.