WTC Survivor Grief Study | About
Although there have been many studies examining the traumatic effects of 9/11, there has been minimal focus on the impact of bereavement on those affected by the tragedy. Given the trauma that all 9/11 Survivors faced, it is likely that those who were bereaved on 9/11 or at a later date may face additional challenges. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of bereavement and trauma on the quality of life among 9/11 WTC Health Registry-enrolled Survivors and to identify those that might benefit from grief-specific interventions.
We are interested in hearing from a broad range of individuals that includes those who were bereaved by the loss of a loved one on 9/11, and those who suffered losses later, including those who were bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we hope to learn about the range of experiences of both men and women who experienced the loss of a spouse or partner, child, parent, sibling, or a close friend or colleague. We recognize that 9/11 Survivors include a diverse group of individuals, and we hope to include participants that reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the 9/11 Survivor population. Every voice matters and we want to ensure that everyone is included. To that end, all study materials are produced in English, Spanish, and Chinese (simplified and traditional).
If you are a WTC Health Registry-enrolled Survivor who lost a loved one on or after 9/11 and have participated in the WTC Health Registry surveys, you are eligible to participate in this study. If you participate, we will use both the information you provided in the WTC Health Registry surveys about how the events of 9/11 affected you, as well as new information we plan to collect in this study about your loss and grief experiences, current health status, and quality of life. Understanding how bereavement and trauma, in combination, have affected you can lead to better-tailored grief support programs for you and other WTC Health Registry-enrolled Survivors. We hope that you choose to enroll in the study so your experiences will be reflected.
Your participation is voluntary and we hope you choose to enroll. If you have any questions related to the study that you would like answered prior to enrolling, please email the study team at info [at] wtcsurvivorgriefstudy.org (info[at]wtcsurvivorgriefstudy[dot]org).
If you enroll in this study, you will be asked to:
1) Agree that the WTC Health Registry can release responses you provided in previous Registry surveys to investigators in this study
2) Complete an online questionnaire that will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. Based upon your survey responses, you may be offered the opportunity to talk with someone from our study team and get feedback about your grief in a virtual (online) feedback session, but this is not required.
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) at Uniformed Services UniversityCSTS conducts research, education, consultation, and training on preparing for and responding to the psychological effects and health consequences of trauma and loss. These events include both natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, tsunamis) and human made disasters (e.g., motor vehicle and plane crashes, war, terrorism). CSTS will be primarily responsible for study design, study approvals, and overseeing study-partner activities outlined in reports to the funding agency. Learn more about the study team.
The Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia UniversityThe Center for Prolonged Grief (CPG) at Columbia University School of Social Work is committed to improving the lives of bereaved people by increasing knowledge and understanding of Prolonged Grief (formerly known as complicated grief) through research, training, and community outreach. The CPG was established in 2013 to disseminate findings from over two decades of clinical research and work with grievers. The CPG team is principally responsible for designing and providing single, virtual information sessions about grief for study participants. Learn more about the study team.
Voices Center for ResilienceEstablished in 2001, VOICES provides long-term support services for thousands of victims’ families, responders and survivors. Using social work practices, VOICES implements a wide array of programs that provide continuity of care and address the ongoing psychological needs of the 9/11 community. Programs include individual consultation and referrals, virtual support groups, educational workshops and an annual symposium in NYC. VOICES will provide consultation in the design of study materials, to ensure that materials are sensitive to the 9/11 survivor community. VOICES will also serve as a resource and referral center. Learn more about the study team.
World Trade Center Health RegistryThe World Trade Center Health Registry established in 2002 is the largest post-disaster Registry in U.S. history, with more than 71,000 voluntary enrollees. The Registry identifies and tracks the long-term physical and mental health effects of the 9/11 WTC attacks and gaps in care for 9/11-related health conditions. The Registry also responds to enrollees’ health needs and concerns and conducts outreach to refer enrollees to the WTC Health Program. With over 170 research papers published, the Registry shares findings and recommendations with enrollees, the public, and policymakers and informs the WTC Health Program and planning for future emergencies. The Registry will assist with the recruitment of study participants from among their enrollees and contribute existing data from prior WTC Health Registry surveys for participants in this study who have provided the appropriate consent. Learn more about the study team.
