Adolescent bereavement following the death of a parent: an exploratory study

Eleven healthy adolescents, ages 13-18, were followed through the year following parental death. Semi-structured interviews were used in combination with standardized measures to complete in-depth evaluations at 6 weeks, 7 months and 13 months following parental death. Teacher reports and parent interviews and reports provided additional information. Initial responses were characterized by intense emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral reactions associated with impaired school performance, strained peer relations, and sleep disturbances. Stress related symptoms were prominent and sustained. Overall, subjects reported a higher sustained degree of distress than adult children following the loss of a parent. Prominent themes are reviewed. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.