Date
4-30-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health
Department
Human Services
First Advisor
Ryan Chukuske
Second Advisor
Jerrod Brown
Abstract
Abstract
This paper explored the psychological and emotional effects of traumatic grief, focusing on its impact on individuals who experienced sudden or violent loss. Traumatic grief is often linked to mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), which can greatly affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being. The paper examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT) in treating these conditions, focusing on how these therapies address both trauma and grief at the same time. Additionally, the literature review highlighted the importance of early intervention in reducing the long-term effects of traumatic grief and emphasized the need for culturally sensitive treatments to improve their relevance and impact. The review summarized recent research data to identify key strategies that could improve current therapeutic practices and guide future interventions. It suggested that combining trauma-focused therapies like CBT and TFT with grief-centered approaches provides a more comprehensive treatment plan, leading to better emotional regulation, social functioning, and overall recovery. The paper also called for more individualized treatment plans that consider a person’s personal history and cultural background to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes. The goal was to contribute to the development of more effective, integrated, and culturally sensitive interventions for those affected by traumatic grief.
Comments
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my husband, who has been a constant source of support throughout this capstone journey. His encouragement, understanding, and unwavering presence have made this process much more manageable. I also thank my family and friends who provided emotional support and insight throughout this research. Without their love and encouragement, this project would not have been possible.
Dedications
This capstone is dedicated to my brother and my 9-year-old nephew, who have both been enduring the grief of losing my sister-in-law, his mother. The grief has been ongoing for three years, and observing their emotional journey has inspired me to explore the effects of traumatic grief in my work. Their strength in navigating such a difficult and heartbreaking experience continues to motivate me in this research. This work is dedicated to them, and to everyone facing the pain of traumatic loss.