Linking empirically based theory and evaluation: The family bereavement program

• DOI: 10.1007/bf00937756
• Publication Date: 2005-01-06T16:41:54Z
• Authors: Irwin N. Sandler; Stephen G. West; Louise Baca; David R. Pillow; Joanne C. Gersten; Fred Rogosch; Lynn Virdin; Janette Beals; Kim D. Reynolds; Carl Kallgren; Jenn-Yun Tein; Gary Kriege; Eloise Cole; Rafael Ramirez
• Keywords: Health psychology

Conclusion We have illustrated how our “small theory” (Lipsey, 1990) of bereavement guided the development and evaluation a preventive intervention for bereaved children. Our small theory, based on prior empirical research, enabled us to identify family processes that appeared mediate effects parental death child mental health. was designed attempt change these processes. The experimental trial assessed changes as well more distal health outcomes. showed some‐what encouraging results, in terms program's ability modify warmth parent–child relationship decrease symptomatology adolescent also obtained further support underlying theoretical model. Finally, implications redesign program were derived from assessing adequacy components each mediators