Virtual rescripting after loss using deepfake technology in prolonged grief treatment: a study protocol for a multiple baseline design
Deepfake-assisted virtual rescripting for grief is still experimental—wait for the data before adopting.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Petkovski et al. (2026) wrote a plan for a nine-person study. They will test a new grief therapy that uses deepfake video to let clients "rescript" painful memories.
The team will run a multiple-baseline design across adults with prolonged grief. Each person starts therapy at a different time so the researchers can see if changes line up with treatment.
What they found
Nothing yet. This paper only gives the recipe, not the cake. Outcomes will come later.
How this fits with other research
Bhaumik et al. (2008) used the same multiple-baseline recipe to treat chronic fatigue. Their fatigue scores dropped after therapy and stayed low for months. Petkovski copies the design but swaps the target from fatigue to grief.
Fanning Tacoaman et al. (2024) also ran a multiple baseline, but to teach staff how to pair with kids. Both studies show the design works across very different goals—staff skills, fatigue, and now grief.
Renne et al. (1976) proved the design can handle tough clinical problems like schizophrenia. Petkovski’s grief study extends that lineage into new tech territory.
Why it matters
If the data later show drops in grief scores right after each person starts deepfake sessions, you’ll have early evidence that virtual rescripting works. Until then, keep the idea on your radar but stick to grief tools with proven track records.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Background: Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is characterized by severe and persistent grief that impairs daily functioning. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the first-line treatment but yields only small-to-moderate effects. Imagery rescripting, which targets distressing loss-related memories, is increasingly used for PGD and related trauma complaints. Incorporating deepfake technology into imagery rescripting, i.e. virtual rescripting, may increase emotional engagement and facilitate processing of the loss, potentially improving treatment outcomes. However, this approach has not yet been empirically examined for PGD. Objective: This study aims to explore the potential effectiveness of virtual rescripting in reducing prolonged grief intensity, loss-related unfinished business, grief rumination, guilt, regret, and negative affect, and increasing well-being and positive affect. Methods: A multiple baseline design will be employed (ethics ID: NL-010145). Nine participants will be randomly assigned to a baseline length of five, six, or seven weeks. The intervention phase will span five weeks and include three therapist-guided sessions: (1) introduction, (2) virtual rescripting, and (3) evaluation. Participants will complete weekly questionnaires during both the baseline and intervention phases. Data will be analyzed using randomization tests to compare the intensity levels of the outcomes of interest between the baseline and intervention phases. Conclusions: This is the first study to explore the potential effectiveness of virtual rescripting in PGD treatment, providing preliminary evidence for future large-scale trials to improve bereavement care.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2026 · doi:10.1080/20008066.2026.2643984