Although there have been many studies examining the traumatic effects of 9/11, there has been limited focus on the impact of bereavement on those affected by the tragedy. Given the trauma that all 9/11 WTC Survivors faced, it is likely that those who were bereaved on 9/11 or suffered subsequent deaths face additional challenges. The goal of this study is to examine the combined effects of bereavement and trauma on the health-related quality of life among 9/11 World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry Survivor Enrollees.

This is a community collaborative project that involves scientists from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) at Uniformed Services University and three NYC-based study partners, including the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry, Columbia University’s Center for Prolonged Grief, and Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES).

WTC Survivors who lost a loved one on or after 9/11 and who responded to previous WTC Health Registry surveys were invited to participate. Participants consented to the use of responses they provided in prior WTC Health Registry surveys about how the events of 9/11 affected them. They also provided new information about their loss and grief experiences, their current health status, and their quality of life.

Study enrollment is now closed and data analysis has begun. Click on the Study Progress tab to read about study updates.