Evaluating the Efficacy of Complicated Grief Therapy on Psychological Outcomes among Widows in Kenya: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Faith-Based Urban Communities

Complicated grief is a persistent and impairing psychological condition that affects widows’ emotional and functional wellbeing, particularly in contexts where bereavement is compounded by social and spiritual stressors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT) in reducing symptoms of complicated grief among widows in selected churches in Nairobi County, Kenya. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design grounded in the post-positivist paradigm was employed. The study used a non-equivalent groups design involving an experimental group that received CGT and a control group that received no structured intervention. Data were collected using the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ-5) at baseline, midline, and endline. A total of 122 widows participated, selected through purposive sampling. Results indicated significant reductions in complicated grief symptoms in the experimental group compared to the control group across all assessment points (p < .001). Effect sizes were large, and MANOVA results confirmed a strong multivariate intervention effect (Pillai’s Trace = .875). The intervention also showed consistent improvements across depression and PTSD symptoms. The study concludes that CGT is an effective, culturally relevant intervention for reducing complicated grief among widows in faith-based settings. It is recommended that CGT be integrated into church-based and community mental health programs.

Complicated grief, CGT, widows, quasi-experimental design, Kenya, mental health

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