A therapy to help older adults cope with grief
Official title: Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Early Maladaptive Grief: A Clinical Trial
Funded at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11109437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special therapy called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can help older family caregivers who are struggling with grief before they lose a loved one, to see if it can make them feel better and prevent long-lasting sadness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,465 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077656-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adult family caregivers who are experiencing maladaptive grief related to the serious illness or death of a loved one.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or who do not experience maladaptive grief may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help older adult family caregivers who are experiencing maladaptive grief due to the loss of loved ones. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of this brief therapy in alleviating grief symptoms before bereavement occurs, potentially preventing prolonged grief. Participants will be involved in a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, where they will receive either the ART intervention or standard care. The research will also explore how personal and social factors influence the therapy's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for older adults struggling with grief, improving their mental health and overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for Accelerated Resolution Therapy in treating post-traumatic distress, suggesting potential for success in this new application.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tofthagen, Cindy — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Tofthagen, Cindy
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.