Supporting Childhood Bereavement Through School-Based Grief Group

Abstract

With 7.3% of children under the age of 18 experiencing the death of a parent and more who experience a loss of a loved one bereavement is a common experience in the lives of children and youth. The current study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week, school-based grief group treatment program in reducing symptoms of grief, dysregulation, and improving social support. A total of 296 children and youth (age 11–18) participated in the grief programming provided by a local hospice agency. With a retention rate of 76% the researchers identified a significant reduction in grief symptomology, frequency of emotion dysregulation, and a significant increase in perceived social support from pre- to post-8-week school-based grief programming. A reduction in intensity of dysregulation was not significant. Implications for school personnel and parental support of children and youth experiencing loss are discussed.