The role of technology-based interventions in older adults experiencing spousal bereavement: a systematic review of clinical trials

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based interventions designed to support bereaved older adults—primarily those experiencing spousal loss—by analyzing data from various clinical trials. METHODS: The search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Google Scholar search engine up to August 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers using a predefined checklist, and the methodological quality of the included studies were assessed using the Verhagen tool for randomized controlled trials and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies. RESULTS: Of 636 identified records, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria, including six randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized trial, with a total of 626 participants. The interventions included web-based psychotherapeutic programs, digital self-monitoring combined with health coaching, and virtual reality–based peer support. Across studies, technology-based interventions were associated with statistically significant reductions in grief severity and depressive symptoms, as well as improvements in sleep quality and reductions in loneliness. Effects varied by intervention type and outcome domain, reflecting heterogeneity in study design and intervention delivery. CONCLUSION: Technology-based interventions show promising effectiveness in improving grief-related and psychological outcomes among bereaved older adults. These findings suggest that digital approaches may represent a feasible and potentially effective strategy to support older adults experiencing spousal bereavement.