My Grief My Way: A Self-Help Website for Coping with Grief
Research type
Research Study
Full title
My Grief My Way: A Self-Help Website for Coping with Grief
IRAS ID
362692
Contact name
J Garner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Grief is a natural response to losing someone close, and it can significantly affect a person’s mental health. Common reactions to grief include sadness, anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, prolonged emotional distress. When grief is unresolved or unsupported, it can negatively impact both mental and physical wellbeing, making it harder for people to move forward. Recent research has improved our understanding of how grief affects mental health and how psychological support can help individuals cope more effectively.
One therapeutic approach that shows promise in this area is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT
encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions like grief and relate to them without judgment. Rather than trying to“get over” grief, ACT supports people in experiencing it while continuing to live in ways that align with their values. Thisapproach helps individuals confront painful feelings and take steps toward building a meaningful life after loss.
This study explores the effectiveness of an online ACT-based therapy program called My Grief My Way. The programoffers minimally guided support, in the form of weekly text or email check-ins. Participants will be recruited via study information being sent out to the NHS and third-sector organisations (e.g. local bereavement charities). Participants will complete online surveys before, during, and after using the program to track changes in wellbeing, grief intensity, and emotional adaptability.
Online programs with minimal therapist contact are gaining popularity due to their accessibility and low cost. My Grief My Way is structured to support people without requiring regular therapist interaction, which may feel more comfortable for those recently bereaved. The ultimate goal is to determine whether such programs can help individuals adapt to grieve in a healthy way and move toward a fulfilling life after loss.REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1209
Date of REC Opinion
17 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion