The Use of Storytelling With Grief Reactions in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Children are living through the COVID-19 pandemic and the traumatic changes the virus has had on the structure and schedule of their daily existence. They are struggling to cope with the loss of the normalcy of their lives and the resulting sense of grief. As the loneliness and isolation required by social distancing can worsen grief, it is important to increase communication with children and include strategies to reduce stress and increase resilience. Storytelling is the oldest form of teaching and has multiple benefits, including identifying emotional states, developing a vocabulary to allow self-advocacy, encouraging the use of strategy, and promoting a sense of hope. In addition, models of positive psychological attitude can diminish anxiety and divert attention to a more productive and positive outlook. Stories are powerful tools and convey thoughts, ideas, and values while encouraging purposeful discussion. For children, hearing stories is a rich avenue to gain insight, resources, and approaches to cope with these unprecedented times. It would be helpful to explore the long-term effects on children of COVID-19–related confinement and loss. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59 (2), 13–15.]

Children’s digital play as collective family resilience in the face of the pandemic

“…While such research and analysis focuses on children's wellbeing and resilience during the pandemic, it primarily explores the factors impacting children and how parental reactions influence children, rather than through children's voices. We instead approach familial wellbeing and children's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring how children's narratives can help children combat pandemic-related stress and isolation by identifying and communicating their lived experiences (Sullivan, 2021). We show how family resilience can be supported through the discovery of the benefits and possibilities of digital play and its incorporation into home life, such as baking and milestone events.…”

Experience of Beauty: Valuing Emotional Engagement and Collaboration in Teacher-Child Storytelling Activities

“…Moreover, the aesthetic characteristics and developmental advantages of storytelling have been the focus of research by many literary researchers and psychologists (Violetta-Eirini, 2016). Sullivan (2021) argued that storytelling is the oldest form of teaching and learning and still has many attractions in the modern age, including identifying emotional states, developing vocabulary for self-promotion, encouraging the use of strategies, and enhancing a sense of hope. Storytelling is defined here as teachers' narration for young children through texts with a narrative structure (storybooks, picture books).…”

Use of Children's Books About Grief as a Therapeutic Tool: A Content Analysis

“…In this context, it is considered that children's books may be an effective therapeutic tool for children to increase their adaptation during grief process. Sullivan (2021) emphasizes the importance of telling stories to bereaved children and refers to the story telling as a significant technique for expanding emotional awareness, self-expression, adapting to the case that has arisen, identification, and increasing hope for the future. Accordingly, the main aim of the present study was to review the content of children's books about grief.…”