Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Is Applied in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) of Chinese Shidu Parents Who Lost Their Only Child

Abstract

Objective. The objective is to help Chinese Shidu parents who have lost their only child to relieve post-traumatic stress disorder. Methods. A qualitative phenomenology study using the hermeneutical phenomenological method was employed in a major metropolitan city in China. Participants were 46 parents who had lost their only child and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Three major themes are: (1) to conduct semistructured in-depth interviews with 46 Shidu parents; (2) to develop and implement a psychological intervention program combining with group intervention and individual counseling based on cognitive-behavioral therapy; (3) to assess the effect of psychological intervention through PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Results. Those Shidu parents who lost their only child got great relief from PTSD. The Shidu parents got great relief and changed a lot after the intervention. They became active to participate in group counseling and willing to help others because they experienced the value and fun in the process. They rebuilt their attachment and looked forward to their future life. Conclusion. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can alleviate and even cure post-traumatic stress disorder in Shidu parents who have lost their only child.