Child bereavement
Child Bereavement
Child bereavement (pronunciation: /ˈtʃaɪld bɪˈriːvmənt/) refers to the grief a child experiences when losing someone significant in their life, such as a parent, sibling, or close friend.
Etymology
The term "bereavement" originates from the Old English 'bereafian', meaning 'to deprive of, take away, seize, rob'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to denote the state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one.
Definition
Child bereavement is a complex and multifaceted experience that encompasses a range of emotional, psychological, and physical responses. It is a unique form of grief that can have profound and long-lasting effects on a child's development and well-being.
Related Terms
- Grief: The natural response to loss. It's the emotional suffering one feels when something or someone the individual loves is taken away.
- Mourning: The act of expressing grief, typically through customs and rituals.
- Trauma: A deeply distressing or disturbing experience, which can be a result of bereavement.
- Coping Mechanisms: The strategies people often use in the face of stress and/or trauma to help manage painful or difficult emotions.
- Resilience: The process of being able to adapt well and recover quickly after stress, adversity, trauma or tragedy.
Impact on Children
Child bereavement can have a significant impact on various aspects of a child's life, including their emotional health, academic performance, and social relationships. It can also lead to a higher risk of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Support and Resources
There are numerous resources available to support children dealing with bereavement, including counseling services, support groups, and educational materials. It's important for adults to communicate openly with children about their loss, provide a safe environment for them to express their feelings, and offer consistent support.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Child bereavement
- Wikipedia's article - Child bereavement
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