Beyond prolonged grief: Exploring the unique nature of complicated grief in bereaved children

Abstract

This article argues that the current approach to diagnosing complicated grief in children overlooks important social and personal factors that impact how children react to and cope with death. Family dynamics, community support, and individual reactions should all be considered when assessing and providing care. The article recommends a multifaceted approach to grief diagnosis that considers the child’s social environment. Helping parents navigate their own grief can support their child, and schools should create a welcoming and sensitive environment for bereaved children. By addressing these factors, negative consequences, such as social withdrawal, academic underachievement, and poor wellbeing, can be reduced.