Perceived Effectiveness of Online Psychosocial Support Programs in Mitigating Bereavement Risks: A Case of Millennials in Kenya's Online Support Groups

Abstract

One of the most painful experiences a parent can face is losing a child, and modern socio-economic difficulties are fuelling family disintegration, complicating the grieving process. It is on the modern reality that this study examined the perception of the effectiveness of online psychosocial support programmes in mitigating bereavement risks among millennials in online support groups in Kenya. The study objectives include to: establish a perception of the benefits of informational support programmes in mitigating bereavement risks; establish the sense of effectiveness of the emotional support programmes helpful in mitigating bereavement risks; find out how useful the instrumental support programmes are in mitigating bereavement risks; and assess strategies useful in enhancing online psychosocial support programmes' use in mitigating bereavement risks among. The study used a mixed-methods design and is grounded in social support and cognitive-behavioural family theories. The target population was 900 members. Stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of 277 members for the quantitative data while purposive sampling was used to select four group leaders from each participating organization. Quantitative data were analysed using correlation and regression techniques in SPSS version 27, while qualitative data were analysed using Atlas.ti version 15. Descriptive analysis showed a slightly positive view of the benefits of informational support programmes for easing grief. However, regression analysis indicated that the impact of these programmes on bereavement risks was not statistically significant (β = −.008, t = −0.09, p > .05). A small majority felt that instrumental support programmes were moderately effective in reducing bereavement risks, but regression analysis showed their influence was also not statistically significant (β = .008, t = 0.11, p > .05). In contrast, emotional support programmes had a statistically significant impact on bereavement risk (β = .619, t = 5.85, p < .01). Descriptive analysis revealed mixed and generally lower views on the usefulness of emotional support programmes. As for strategies to improve online psychosocial support programmes, the most favoured approach was sharing experiences during online peer support sessions (M = 3.25, SD = 1.346). Key themes included the need for organised psychoeducation, professional support systems, and community-integrated help to strengthen online programmes. The study concluded that emotional support programmes were the most effective in reducing bereavement risks among Millennials, while instrumental and informational programmes were less effective. To improve online psychosocial support for bereaved Millennials, there needs to be a focus on developing structured, professionally backed, and communityintegrated support systems.