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Spirituality in children confronting death
Margaret L Stuber1, Beth M Houskamp
1Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA mstuber@mednet.ucla.edu
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|January 16, 2004
Summary
This article explores spiritual issues in children and adolescents facing death, offering practical guidance for mental health professionals supporting families through grief and loss.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Thanatology
Background:
- Children and adolescents experience unique spiritual concerns when confronting mortality.
- Understanding these spiritual issues is crucial for effective psychosocial support.
Observation:
- The article reviews literature on children's spirituality and death.
- Clinical examples highlight common challenges faced by mental health professionals.
- Specific areas of concern and research gaps are identified.
Findings:
- A developmental framework aids in understanding children's spiritual responses to death.
- Spirituality plays a significant role in how young individuals cope with terminal illness and bereavement.
- Mental health professionals require tailored strategies to address these spiritual needs.
Implications:
- Provides a framework for mental health professionals to support children and families facing death.
- Highlights the need for further research into pediatric spiritual care.
- Enhances clinical practice by integrating spiritual considerations into end-of-life care for minors.