Research & Evidence
The Grief Recovery Method is a grief program validated by peer-reviewed research from Kent State University. Here’s the evidence.
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48+ Years of Measurable Impact
Since 1978, The Grief Recovery Method has produced real, measurable results for individuals and organizations worldwide.
1978
Year Founded
Over 48+ years of continuous grief recovery work
1.5M+
Lives Helped
People who have completed the Grief Recovery Method program worldwide
15,000+
Certified Specialists
Trained professionals in 43+ countries across 6 continents
1.2M+
Books Sold
Copies of The Grief Recovery Handbook sold in 19+ languages
40+
Types of Loss
The method addresses grief from death, divorce, job loss, health changes, and dozens more
4.81
Average Rating
Out of 5 stars from 2,141+ verified participant reviews
Peer-Reviewed Research
Kent State University researchers conducted a controlled study of The Grief Recovery Method and published their findings in two peer-reviewed papers in the American Journal of Health Education.
Abstracts are freely available below. Full articles require an AJHE subscription.
Measurement Development and Validation for Construct Validity of the Treatment: The Grief Recovery Method® Instrument (GRM-I)
Nolan, R.D. & Hallam, J.S. (Kent State University)
American Journal of Health Education, Vol. 50, Issue 2 (2019)
Key Findings
- ✓Established the GRM-I as a content-valid and reliable measure of grievers' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors (KABB)
- ✓Cronbach's alpha of 0.87 for the full measure — strong internal consistency
- ✓Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 279) showed adequate fit to the hypothesized factorial structure
- ✓Content validity established through expert panel, peer review, and pilot study
Why This Matters
Before you can prove a treatment works, you need a scientifically valid way to measure its effects. This paper established that measurement instrument — the foundation that made the second study possible.
Construct Validity of the Theory of Grief Recovery (TOGR): A New Paradigm Toward Our Understanding of Grief and Loss
Nolan, R.D. & Hallam, J.S. (Kent State University)
American Journal of Health Education, Vol. 50, Issue 2, pp. 88-98 (2019)
Key Findings
- ✓Statistically significant improvements in grief recovery knowledge from pre- to post-program
- ✓Statistically significant positive changes in grief-related attitudes and beliefs
- ✓Statistically significant improvements in grief recovery behaviors
- ✓Wilks' lambda showed an overall significant effect across all measured variables
- ✓Changes sustained at follow-up measurement (Observation 3)
Why This Matters
Using the validated GRM-I instrument from the first study, researchers showed that the theoretical structure of the Grief Recovery Method holds — the program has the intended influence on grief and grief recovery. This makes GRM a peer-reviewed validated program, setting it apart from theoretical models and unvalidated approaches.
The Grief Training Gap
Peer-reviewed research reveals a significant gap in how mental health professionals are trained to handle grief — and why evidence-based grief recovery training matters.
85%
of grief-focused courses in CACREP-accredited counselor education programs are electives, not required coursework
Source: Wheat, 2022
50%+
of licensed marriage and family therapists reported receiving no grief training in their graduate programs
Source: Linich, 2021; Ober et al., 2017
90%+
of counselor educators believe grief training is essential — yet many of their own programs lack a dedicated course
Source: Multiple studies
0
accreditation bodies (APA, CACREP, CSWE, COAMFTE) historically required a standalone grief course for graduation
Source: Accreditation standards review
What This Means for You
If you’re grieving:Your therapist — no matter how compassionate and well-intentioned — may not have received specialized grief training. The Grief Recovery Method provides the structured, evidence-based approach that traditional therapy programs often don’t teach.
If you’re a professional: Specialized Grief Recovery Method training can fill a gap in your training and education. Becoming a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist gives you evidence-based tools your clients need.
What Makes It Evidence-Based
Not all grief programs are created equal. Here’s how The Grief Recovery Method compares to common alternatives.
| Criteria | Grief Recovery Method | Traditional Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Peer-reviewed research | Yes (Kent State) | Varies by modality |
| Structured action steps | Yes — specific completion tasks | Varies — often discussion-based |
| Addresses all loss types | Yes — 40+ types of loss | Depends on therapist |
| Defined timeline | Yes — 4-8 weeks typical | Open-ended |
| Measurable outcomes | Yes — validated measures | Self-reported |
| Completion-oriented | Yes — emotional completion goal | No defined endpoint |
Trusted by Organizations Worldwide
The Grief Recovery Method has been adopted by leading institutions across healthcare, military, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.
Founded on Personal Experience, Validated by Science
John W. James created The Grief Recovery Method in 1978 after the death of his infant son, when he discovered that no structured, action-based program existed for grief recovery. Together with Russell Friedman, he developed and refined the methodology over decades, eventually gaining peer-reviewed validation from Kent State University.
Today, led by President Cole James, The Grief Recovery Institute continues to expand its global reach — with over 15,000 certified specialists in 43+ countries and over 1.5 million lives helped.
Read Our Full StoryExperience the Evidence for Yourself
Whether you’re looking for evidence-based grief recovery support or want to become certified in a research-validated grief recovery program, we’re here for you.