The transformation of the meaning of death in complicated grief group therapy for survivors of suicide

Abstract

Suicide-loss survivors are at elevated risk for complicated grief (CG), a persistent and distressing response to loss that can disrupt a person’s sense of identity, relationships, and worldview. Traditional grief interventions may not fully meet the unique emotional and cognitive needs of this population, particularly in non-Western cultural contexts. This study aims to explore the therapeutic effects of a constructivist-based group therapy intervention for suicide-loss survivors, examine how meaning reconstruction is facilitated through group processes, and evaluate its cultural relevance within a Chinese context. Guided by constructivist theory and the framework of meaning reconstruction, a structured 12-session group therapy program was implemented. Data were collected from session transcripts, facilitator reflections, and participant feedback, and analyzed thematically. Preliminary findings indicate that the intervention fostered emotional expression, mutual validation, and narrative reconstruction. Participants reported experiencing reduced isolation, enhanced understanding of their grief, and greater clarity in reconstructing personal meaning following loss. These results highlight the potential of constructivist group therapy approaches in promoting adaptive grieving and offer culturally grounded implications for clinical practice and future research in grief counseling among suicide survivors.