Do online support groups for grief benefit the bereaved? Systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature

an article by Ceit Robinson and Dr Rachael Pond (Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 100 (November 2019)

Highlights

• Quantitative studies about therapeutic benefits are limited and findings are mixed.
• Qualitative studies find many positive attributes of online support groups for users.
• Users' experiences of grief understood, accepted, and normalised.
• An emotionally supportive space where grief can be openly expressed any time.
• Occasional distress when reading others' messages - but overall benefits prevail.

Abstract

The present systematic review is the first to examine the quantitative and qualitative evidence about the potential usefulness of online peer support groups for bereaved persons. It aimed to determine: whether online support groups reduce grief-related symptoms for persons who are grieving; and the positive and negative attributes of online support groups experienced by bereaved users of these groups.

A comprehensive search within major article databases and Google Scholar, and hand searching of reference lists in retrieved articles, resulted in nine peer-reviewed, scholarly studies that met the inclusion criteria. These quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies were assessed using the MMAT quality appraisal tool, and their findings were critically synthesised using a narrative and thematic approach.

Insufficient, high-quality quantitative research prevented conclusions being drawn about the effect of online support groups on grief-related symptoms.

However, the qualitative evidence shows that there are clear positive attributes of online peer support that are valued by bereaved users.

These include being part of an understanding community of persons who have experienced a similar loss, emotional support, sharing of information, remembrance, reconstruction of a sense of identity, and a realisation of the changing nature of grief over time.

Until there is evidence of therapeutic effects, it seems that online support groups may be a useful adjunct to, but not alternative to, grief therapy or counselling.

Recommendations for much needed research are given.

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Effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality-enhanced exercise on physical activity, psychological outcomes, and physical performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

an article by Yu-Leung Ng (Hong Kong Baptist University), Flora Ma and King-wa Fu (The University of Hong Kong, Eliot Hall) and Frederick K. Ho and Patrick Ip (The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 99 (October 2019)

Highlights

• This study compared VR- and AR-exercise and traditional and no-exercise programs.
• VR training programs were effective for enhancing frequency of physical activity.
• VR and AR programs were effective for improving strength of physical performance.
• Further studies of AR-enhanced exercise using randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)-enhanced exercise training is a novel approach to promoting health. Previous systematic reviews have focused on the effectiveness of VR interventions in clinical settings. The present study was the first systematic review to investigate the effectiveness of exercise-based VR and AR training as preventive measures in improving physical activity, psychological outcomes, and physical performance of a healthy population when compared with traditional programs and no-exercise controls.

This study included 22 research articles published between 1997 and 2017, involving 1,184 participants aged 18 to 79.
The results showed a large effect on physical activity (Hedges' g = 0.83, SE = 0.18), a small to moderate effect on physical performance (Hedges’ g = 0.31, SE = 0.09), and no significant effect on psychological outcomes.

VR training programs were particularly shown to be effective for enhancing frequency of physical activity and strength of physical performance.

Only two studies examined the effectiveness of AR training programs on physical performance, and the findings concerning those effects were not separately reported.

A list of plausible moderators was tested but that variable was not significantly associated with the effects of VR on the three outcomes.

Limitations and future directions are discussed.

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Do creative arts therapies reduce substance misuse? A systematic review

an article by Karen Megranahan and Michael Thomas Lynskey (Kings College London, Denmark Hill, London) published in The Arts in Psychotherapy Volume 57 (February 2018)

Highlights

• A systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of creative arts therapies for reducing substance misuse.
• No studies were found relating to visual art, drama, dance and movement therapy, or arts in health.
• Five RCT’s met the inclusion criteria and related to music.
• The results show positive effects of music therapy as a treatment for those diagnosed with substance use.

Abstract

The complexities of substance misuse treatment indicate a need to consider the efficacy of creative arts therapies for those who find it difficult to verbalise their emotions and feelings.

The focus of this systematic review is to identify and critically evaluate studies on the effectiveness of creative arts therapy interventions for reducing substance misuse, aiming at reaching some conclusions on the subject.

Research studies employing randomised control trials (RCT’s) and controlled clinical trials were identified across eight academic databases. A total of 3204 records were found out of which 381 were duplicates and a further 2818 were excluded as not meeting the inclusion criteria. Five RCT’s met the inclusion criteria and related to music.

The effect size (Cohen’s d) of reported outcomes showed a strong positive effect for music therapy to enhance contemplation (0.9), treatment readiness (0.76), motivation (0.54) and reduction of cravings (−0.54).

The results of this review should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of studies found and the difference in the treatments employed.

However music therapy may be valuable in treatment plans for substance misuse. Further research is warranted to examine the long-term effectiveness of music therapy.

Full text (PDF 9pp)

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The Threat Effect of Active Labor Market Programs: A systematic review

an article by Trine Filges (The Danish National Centre for Social Research SFI Campell) and Anne Toft Hansen (The Danish National Centre for Social Research School and Education) published in Journal of Economic Surveys Volume 31 Issue 1 (February 2017)

Abstract

This paper is a systematic review of the threat effect of active labor market programs for unemployed individuals. The threat effect is the induced change in the hazard rate of leaving unemployment prior to program participation.

Studies included in the review all estimated a threat effect, with the participants in all cases being unemployed individuals in receipt of benefit of some kind during their tenure of unemployment.

Eight of these studies have been included in a meta-analysis: The meta-analysis, which has been carried out using a random effects model to account for heterogeneity, indicated a hazard ratio of 1.25 for the pooled estimate. We conclude that active labor market programs constitute a statistically significant threat effect, although it is modest.

Full text (PDF)

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Rapid evidence assessments of research to inform social policy: taking stock and moving forward

an article by James Thomas, Mark Newman and Sandy Oliver (Institute of Education, University of London, UK) published in Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice Volume 9 Number 1 (January 2013)

Abstract

There is a tension between conducting comprehensive systematic reviews and completing them in time to meet policy-making deadlines. The “rapid evidence assessment” has been proposed as a solution to this; offering rigorous reviews in a condensed timescale.

While used frequently in healthcare, this mode of reviewing presents considerable challenges in social policy.

We describe some potential problems and suggest reviewing strategies that can overcome some of them. There are situations, however, in which it may not be feasible to embark on a rapid review, and caution should be exercised when selecting this method.

Full text (PDF 22pp)

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