Childhood Traumatic Grief

Abstract

Childhood traumatic grief refers to a condition in which characteristic traumarelated symptoms interfere with children's ability to adequately mourn the loss of a loved one. Current concepts of this condition suggest that it overlaps with but is distinct from uncomplicated bereavement, adult complicated grief, and posttraumatic stress disorder. This article describes the core features of childhood traumatic grief; differentiates it from these related conditions; and reviews the current research status of suggested diagnostic criteria, assessment instruments, and treatments for this condition. Implications for future clinical practice, research, and policy are also addressed.

Traumatic Loss in Children and Adolescents

“…Even soon after a loss, children may be observed playing or laughing, which can be confusing and perhaps disturbing to adults whose grief may be more constant. The intermittent nature of children's grief responses is characteristic of children's general affective states in general, which are often more changeable and reactive than those of adults (Cohen & Mannarino, 2010).…”

“…Also, current statistics indicate that 1.9 million children younger than age 18 have lost one or both parents (Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas, 2008). Accordingly, many children have some experience with bereavement as they are growing up (Cohen & Mannarino, 2010).…”

“…Some PTSD symptoms, including sleep difficulties, loss of interest in peer and other social activities, and trouble concentrating, can normally be expected in bereaved children. However, core PTSD symptoms such as intrusive re-experiencing of the deceased's death, persistent avoidance of death reminders or even avoidance of reminders of the loved one, and hyperarousal as manifested through angry outbursts or hypervigilence are less typical of uncomplicated bereavement but very characteristic of CTG (Cohen & Mannarino, 2010).…”

“…In a parallel way, deaths from anticipated causes can be extremely disturbing to children if they observe frightening events such as their loved one gasping for air, frantic attempts at resuscitation, or severe bodily deterioration. Thus, any cause of death can lead to CTG as long as the child subjectively experiences it as traumatic (Cohen & Mannarino, 2010).…”

Adding Trauma-Informed Care at a Bereavement Camp to Facilitate Posttraumatic Growth: A Controlled Outcome Study

“…In addition, studies have shown that PTSD is present to an equal degree in bereaved children whether the death was expected or sudden and violent (Kaplow, Howell, & Layne, 2014;McClatchey et al, 2009). Regardless of the number of bereaved children affected by PTSD, for those who are, the PTSD symptoms may interfere with the grief process (Cohen, Mannarino, Greenberg, Padlo, & Shipley, 2002).…”