"I know now I'm not really alone": Qualitative insights from children, parents and caregivers of unguided internet cognitive behavior therapy for grief in children

Sarah J Egan; Amy O'Brien; Tamara Zammit; Sian B Pauley-Gadd; Elizabeth Bills; Danyelle Greene; Bronwyn Myers; Christopher Hall; Hayden Wilson; Michael Duffy; Paul A Boelen; Kirsten V Smith; Jennifer Wild; David Trickey; Lauren J Breen

doi:10.1080/07481187.2026.2726889

Back

"I know now I'm not really alone": Qualitative insights from children, parents and caregivers of unguided internet cognitive behavior therapy for grief in children

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

"I know now I'm not really alone": Qualitative insights from children, parents and caregivers of unguided internet cognitive behavior therapy for grief in children

Sarah J Egan, Amy O'Brien, Tamara Zammit, Sian B Pauley-Gadd, Elizabeth Bills, Danyelle Greene, Bronwyn Myers, Christopher Hall, Hayden Wilson, Michael Duffy, …

Death studies

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2026.2726889

PMID: 42723295

Files and links (1)

pdf

Published2.00 MBDownload View

Open Access CC BY-NC-ND V4.0

Abstract

Biomedical Social Sciences

Psychology

Psychology, Multidisciplinary

Social Issues

Social Sciences

Social Sciences, Biomedical

There are few studies examining internet cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for grieving children. No studies have examined qualitative insights from children and parents/caregivers about views of internet interventions for grief. Bereaved children were recruited from a sample of 48 participants, aged 6-12 years, who had been randomized to the intervention arm of a four-week, unguided internet CBT intervention for grief. There were 17 participants, including nine bereaved children (= 8.33 years, = 2.06; 56% female, 44% male) and eight parents/caregivers who engaged in a qualitative interview. Interactive activities, videos and audio clips were frequently cited as positive components of the intervention. Bereaved children said they felt less alone in their grief after the intervention. Areas for improvement in the intervention were noted, including simplified language, tailored content, and guidance. Time constraints were a barrier to uptake. Future research should evaluate age-tailored modules, greater interactivity, and optional therapist guidance.

Details

Title: "I know now I'm not really alone": Qualitative insights from children, parents and caregivers of unguided internet cognitive behavior therapy for grief in children
Authors/Creators: Sarah J Egan - Curtin University
Amy O'Brien - Curtin University
Tamara Zammit - Curtin University
Sian B Pauley-Gadd - Curtin University
Elizabeth Bills - Curtin University
Danyelle Greene - The University of Queensland
Bronwyn Myers - South African Medical Research Council
Christopher Hall - Grief Australia, Melbourne, Australia
Hayden Wilson - WA Country Health Service
Michael Duffy - Queen's University Belfast
Paul A Boelen - Utrecht University
Kirsten V Smith - University of Oxford
Jennifer Wild - The University of Melbourne
David Trickey - University College London
Lauren J Breen - Curtin University
Publication Details: Death studies
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Number of pages: 13
Grant note: PRO-700184 / Stan Perron Charitable Foundation Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Western Australia
Identifiers: 991005917939907891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Psychology
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Source: SDGs in the Output

Metrics

4 File views/ downloads

1 Record Views