“I’m Not Alone”: A Group Intervention for Grieving Children

Abstract

Grieving children are at risk for negative outcomes (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2020). This study described a collaboration between a community agency and a large school district to create and implement groups for grieving children. A preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of these groups was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data from 318 students, 59 group facilitators, and 59 school counselors indicated that the grief group was a promising intervention for diverse students with regard to enhancing awareness about grief, reducing isolation, providing a place to share feelings, and learning coping strategies after the death of a significant person. This research may inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of other important interventions established through community partnerships to prevent negative outcomes associated with unattended grief in childhood.