Parentally Bereaved Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This study investigates peer interaction and peer support for parentally bereaved children and adolescents. Using data from an extensive bereavement study, transcribed semistructured interviews on peer relationships from a sample of 35 parentally bereaved children aged 6 to 15 were systematically coded. Exploratory dimensions of inquiry included incidence counts of teasing, peer interaction regarding bereavement, and preference for interaction, among 12 other dimensions. Hypotheses related to age, gender, and parental death type (anticipated vs. sudden) differences on peer support reception were also tested. Major findings included the following: 71.4% of the sample received support from peers, although 71.4% preferred not to have bereavement-related peer interaction. A significantly greater percentage of females versus males experienced peer support and a positive emotional response, and a significantly greater percentage of children bereaved by anticipated deaths versus sudden deaths had received bereavement-related peer interaction and support. No significant differences were found between younger and older children.

Reflections of Young Adults on the Loss of a Parent in Adolescence

“…This situation made grieving more difficult for the surviving parent and children as the added stress overwhelmed them and prevented them from focusing on coping with their loss. These findings are consistent with previous research that found that a disruption of the daily environment after the death of a parent can make the grieving process more difficult for children (LaFreniere & Cain, 2015;McClatchey & Wimmer, 2012;Raveis et al, 1999;Worden, 1996).…”

“…Previous research found that children may become resilient after the loss of a parent, but it depends on various factors such as constant communication, especially about the death, support from family and friends, and a stable environment (Greeff & Human, 2004;Hope & Hodge, 2006;LaFreniere & Cain, 2015;Raveis et al, 1999). Many participants expressed that losing a parent was like losing their guide, which accelerated their growing up and forced them to make decisions on their own.…”

“…Children and adolescents need to feel supported and taken care of by their surviving parent after the other's death. A stable environment, a similar routine to the one before the parent died, and open communication and support from the surviving parent can allow the child to grieve in a healthy way (Bugge, Darbyshire, Rokholt, Haugstvedt, & Helseth, 2014;LaFreniere & Cain, 2015;Saldinger, Porterfield, & Cain, 2004).…”

“…Children, adolescents, and young adults are involved with other peers and friends on a daily basis; these relationships provide opportunities for grieving youth to find support in their peers (LaFreniere & Cain, 2015). For some adolescents, peers were the most helpful source of emotional support after the loss of their parent: time spent with friends allowed them to feel normal and less isolated (Dopp & Cain, 2012;Gray, 1989).…”

“…This subject is not discussed enough in everyday life and has not received much attention in the scholarly literature (Koblenz, 2015;LaFreniere & Cain, 2015). The effects of death and the grieving process are unique to each individual; thus this study further informs how individuals cope with the death of a parent.…”