The death of a loved one in childhood is one of the most common life adversities that an individual may experience, with an estimated 6.6 million children experiencing the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 18. While most bereaved youth are resilient, research shows that, for some, bereavement can adversely affect long-term functioning in multiple life domains. For example, a nationally representative study of 10,000 adolescents showed that the sudden death of a loved one was the strongest predictor of school problems above and beyond any other form of trauma, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, or witnessing domestic violence. Given that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to grief support is typically ineffective, a critical task for professionals is to effectively decide which type of grief support and practice elements are most appropriate based on the unique needs and strengths of the children they serve.
Using multidimensional grief theory as a foundation, this presentation will describe common bereavement-related challenges that youth typically face after the death of a loved one and review evidence-based practice elements that can help them to cope over time.
Addressing the Silent Epidemic of Childhood Grief Using Evidence-Based Practices
