The role of nutritional education in support groups in the grieving process

Graduation Date

2015

Document Type

Project

Program

Other

Program

Project (M.S.W.)--Humboldt State University, Social Work, 2015

Committee Chair Name

Yvonne Doble

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Bereavement support groups, Nutritional education, Cooking skills, Grieving, Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Social Work, Intuitive grievers, Physical health, Hospice, Instrumental grievers

Abstract

This project evaluated a pilot model of a hospice bereavement support group that incorporated nutritional education and cooking skills for individuals who have lost a loved one in the past year or more while on hospice care at Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, Inc. Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, Inc., offers post-death bereavement support groups for families, caregivers, and friends. My evaluation incorporated questions where the participants rated their emotional state, and nutritional knowledge before the support group, and then after the support group. This "Cooking for One" bereavement support group provided an environment for participants who were grieving to learn how to cook for one. This bereavement support program was unique in that it addressed the needs of instrumental grievers who usually do not join traditional support groups. Instrumental grievers are drawn to groups where activities, and practical information is offered. This "Cooking for One" bereavement support group offered the activity of cooking while also providing practical information on the correlation between nutrition and physical health while the person advanced through the grieving process.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/r207tr643

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