Behavioral Activation with Bereaved Older Adults: Unique Clinical Considerations

Abstract

Behavioral activation (BA) has been shown to be effective for a number of psychological problems, most notably depression. Although only a few studies have examined the efficacy of BA-based interventions with bereaved older adults, there are a number of reasons to believe that this approach has the potential to bring about meaningful and substantial change for this population. This article provides a theoretical and empirical rationale for the relevance of BA for bereaved older adults and describes the procedures and unique clinical considerations of BA with this population, which is illustrated in two case examples.

Keywords:

• behavior theraphy
• bereavement
• grief
• older adults
• widowhood

Notes

1. Although the case examples described in this paper are based on experiences with real clients, names and pertinent details have been changed to protect clients' identities.