School and religious factors impact the neuroticism-grief link in adolescents

Researchers have long recognized neuroticism as a risk factor for complicated grief. However, the mediating influences of school belongingness and negative religious coping have not been examined. To explore these connections, adolescents from two high schools and a choir group were recruited to complete a brief survey. Data from 99 students revealed that both factors independently partially mediated the impact of neuroticism on persistent complex bereavement symptoms. Findings suggest that social isolation and spiritual struggles contribute adversely to the grief of some emotionally sensitive students. The results also support the efficacy of a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to studying adolescent grief.