Evaluation of grief reactions in children: A retrospective review

Aim: To investigate common grief reactions experienced by children ages 5-17 after the loss of a significant person in their life. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of 83 children for common grief reactions indicated by parent(s)/caregivers of children attending a bereavement camp from July 2009 through July 2011. The review included common grief reactions, gender, age, relationship of the child to the deceased and professional support. Results: The independent t-test analysis indicated that boys reported significantly higher grief reactions than did girls. Total grief scores indicated the age groups did not significantly differ based on their grief scores. Children who had received professional support prior to attending the camp had significantly higher grief scores than those who had not received professional support. Conclusions: Future studies evaluating common grief reactions in children need to be conducted. Research is also indicated after bereavement interventions are utilized with children. Correspondence to: Teresa Howell, DNP, RN, CNE, Associate Degree Nursing Program Coordinator, Professor of Nursing, 316 West Second Street, Morehead State University, 201N Center for Health Education and Research, Morehead, KY 40351, USA; Tel: 606-783-2815; E-mail: [email protected]