Behavioral effects of the death of a parent on children, ages 6 to 12
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Abstract
There is an assumption among Mental Health practitioners and the general public that the loss of a parent during childhood inevitably influences a child's future adjustment and de velopment. Children who are unable to resolve their grief over the loss of a parent may display maladaptive behaviors that interfere with normal emotional growth throughout their lifetime. In view of the possibility that children who have lost a parent are at greater risk than other children, it is crucial to understand more about how unresolved grief is manifested. In this study the researcher examined the behavioral symptomatol ogy of bereaved children, ages 6 to 12 who had suffered the death of a parent and had been referred to a child- guidance center for treatment. They were compared to nonbereaved children from intact families who displayed behavi or al symptomatology and were referred to a child-guidance center for treatment. There were no significant differences in the frequency of behavioral symptoms between the two groups in any of the null hypothesis comparing: bereaved children to nonbereaved children; bereaved boys to nonbereaved boys; bereaved girls to nonbereaved girls; bereaved boys to bereaved girls; boys who had lost mothers to boys who had lost fathers; girls who had lost mothers to girls who had lost fathers; boys who had lost mothers to girls who had lost mothers; boys who had lost fathers to girls who had lost fathers; chil dren whose parents had died suddenly to children who anticipated the death of a parent. These findings have been explained by looking at the multiple problems presented by this sample of bereaved chil dren at this child guidance center. In 24 out of the 25 cases of bereaved children, the bereavement issue was compounded by extreme environmental deprivation, severe learning problems and developmental issues. It was impossi ble to limit the study to bereaved children for whom the death of a parent was the single precipitant to displaying maladaptive behaviors. Although these findings cannot be generalized wi thout further study, they point to the need for clinicians, educators and parents to not limit their work with bereaved children to iss ues of loss and grief. The inability to resolve grief may have more to do with a lack of protective mechanisms such as coping skills, supports, opportunities for growth and feelings of self-worth. Surviving parents may need to be worked with and supported to help minimize the potential negative consequences following the death of a parent and to become more capable of fostering appropriate growth and development in their children. By focusing attention on children and their families to encourage better functioning in multiple areas, rather than concentrating exclusively on "grief work," bereaved children may learn skills, build resources and take advantage of opportunities so that they may lead healthier lives in the future.
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Dissertation (Ed.D.)--Boston University
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