Understanding death in the eyes of hospitalized children

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present how hospitalized children understand the concept of death and raise discussions on the theme of death in childhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with children aged 7 to 12 years, using story telling as a playful resource for data collection. The main results showed that children structure the concept of death in a multidimensional way, encompassing biological, spiritual, sociocultural and emotional factors. Inserted in the context of hospitalization, they approach the theme of death, sensitizing themselves. Thus, children demonstrate the need to be listened to and have their feelings welcomed when they face the loss of a loved one or even the possibility of the end of their own lives.