Accelerated Resolution Therapy for grief in older caregivers
Official title: Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Early Maladaptive Grief: A Clinical Trial
Funded at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11298955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinical trial tests a brief therapy called Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help older family caregivers cope with maladaptive grief after losing loved ones.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $657,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077656-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11298955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adult family caregivers of a seriously ill relative who are experiencing maladaptive grief.
✕Less likely to help
Caregivers not experiencing maladaptive grief or those unable to participate in therapy sessions may not benefit.
What this research studies
Older adult caregivers of seriously ill patients often experience maladaptive grief that harms health and immune function. This trial tests Accelerated Resolution Therapy, a brief, low-risk treatment, to see if it reduces grief symptoms and improves well-being. The study uses a double-blind, randomized design with two groups and includes measurements of cognitive processing and loss integration, plus a mixed-methods look at predictors of response. Participants will be recruited from two geographic locations and receive the intervention or a comparison condition over a defined period. Results could inform improvements in support for grieving caregivers and potentially prevent longer-term emotional distress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could lessen grief-related distress and protect health in older caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Prior evidence supports ART for distress and trauma, with promising results suggesting potential applicability to maladaptive grief in caregivers.
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.