Efficacy of Narrative Meaning Reconstruction Interview for Pet Loss

Abstract

Objectives: With this study, I sought to resolve a primary question regarding narrative therapy and its application to bereavement: Is the meaning reconstruction interview (MRI) an effective means to initiate pet loss processing?Methods: Seven participants took part in a 3-phase narrative therapy sequence: an in-office visit; a homework assignment; and a 30-minute phone session. Each phase included a different section of the MRI. Participants were assessed at intake and 15 minutes post-exercise during each phase using the Grief Severity Index (GSI).Results: On average, GSI scores improved during each phase. In addition, all seven participants showed at least some numerical improvement after each phase.Conclusions: My findings suggest the MRI does have a positive impact on pet loss and may serve as an enticing first step in any narrative therapy, experiential counseling, and/or meaning reconstruction approach to pet loss.