1) To contribute to the epidemiological research on natural and complicated grief reactions.
2) To contribute to research on evidence-based treatment methods for different types of complicated grief reactions.
In addition, the Unit for Grief Research aims to map the extent and risk factors of different types of complicated grief, including the new diagnosis of Prolonged Grief Disorder, which was published in the ICD-11 in 2018 and will be implemented worldwide in 2022.
The unit's intervention research aims to map psychotherapeutic knowledge on the treatment of complicated grief reactions such as prolonged grief disorder, anxiety, depression, and PTSD after the loss of a loved one. Additionally, the unit aims to develop, test, and implement new evidence-based treatment methods for complicated grief reactions. This is done through various research designs such as meta-analyses and controlled randomized studies.
A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods as well as theory development and dissemination will be used to achieve the unit's goals.
Currently, we offer free group therapy to adult bereaved individuals who have experienced complicated grief reactions due to bereavement.
We anticipate starting a group in the spring 2024. The therapy sessions will be conducted in Danish.
We are currently seeking participants (aged 18 and over) who have experienced the loss of a loved one within the past 3 months for the project "Sådan oplever jeg sorgen".
This project aims to increase our understanding of how grief is experienced in the present moment and how it changes over time.
In September 2022, the first European conference on grief was held in Copenhagen. The conference was hosted by the National Center for Grief in collaboration with the Bereavement Network Europe (BNE), Aarhus University, and the Irish Hospice Foundation. This was the first in a series of upcoming grief conferences.
The purpose of the conference was to share knowledge about grief and promote grief care in Europe by inspiring collaboration.
Maja O'Connor, Associate Professor and Head of the Unit for Grief Research, was part of the planning committee for the conference, and several members and participants of the unit also attended.