Children Bereaved by Parent or Sibling Death

Persisting mental health problems among AIDS‐orphaned children in South Africa

“…These findings have implications for our understanding of the long‐term impacts on children of parental death by a chronic, highly stigmatised disease. Studies amongst bereaved children (by causes other than HIV/AIDS) in the developed world have found common symptoms of grief, distress and dysphoria in the year post‐bereavement, followed for most by resilience to long‐term psychiatric distress (Dowdney, 2008). This study suggests that the negative psychological impacts of parental bereavement by HIV/AIDS may be more enduring, and more severe, than the impacts of other bereavement.…”

Call of Duty: The Emotional and Psychosocial Lived Experience of Eldest Child towards Parental Death

“…This situation causes them to be anxious about what will happen to their future as their provider has passed away along with the support the parent was giving. Their entry towards their new family duties and obligations, meeting the standard of overmature behavior, and a desire to protect grieving adults may lead them to a feel doubt surrounding themselves (Dowdney, 2008). They are uncertain if they can do their responsibility and whilst justifying society's expectations; because of this situation, anxiety rules over thus leaving them in a state of deciding if they will go on living their life or not.…”

“…Hence, loss may take them to a journey towards self-improvement and development where one can increase their abilities as a person. They find themselves taking charge of new family roles and responsibilities (Dowdney, 2008).…”

The Effects of Children's Spiritual Coping after Parent, Grandparent or Sibling Death on Children's Grief, Personal Growth, and Mental Health

“…Sarah also reported that she felt anxious about her parents dying and was unsure about whether she would want a new baby brother or sister (Sandler et al, 2012). The death of a parent or sibling during childhood can create worry about the vulnerability of other family members (Dowdney, 2008). Sarah wrote a song with her father to honor her sister's memory (Sandler et al, 2012).…”

“…Children believed that there was an afterlife and they would be reunited with their brother or sister when they died. Imagining an afterlife provides the bereaved children with a sense of peace and wellbeing since the dead can have emotions and they can continue to enjoy their favorite activities (Dowdney, 2008). Some children feel they are still connected to the deceased (Packman et al, 2006).…”