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Published on: September 19, 2019
Young Bereaved Siblings of Israeli Security Personnel: Challenges, Coping, and Support
David Mehlhausen-Hassoen1, Omer Lanes2, Ayala Cohen2
1Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel.
Young bereaved siblings of Israeli security personnel face unique grief challenges. They actively manage emotions and identity, seeking informal support while maintaining hope for the future.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Bereavement Studies
Background:
- Young bereaved siblings experience unique challenges following the loss of a sibling.
- The context of losing Israeli security personnel adds a unique layer to the grieving process.
- Existing research often overlooks the specific experiences of young bereaved siblings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of young bereaved siblings of Israeli security personnel.
- To understand the cognitive and emotional challenges faced by these adolescents and young adults.
- To identify coping mechanisms and support preferences within Israel's specific socio-cultural context.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study design.
- 26 semi-structured interviews conducted with bereaved siblings aged 12-21.
- Thematic analysis of interview data to identify patterns and themes.
Main Results:
- Participants reported difficulties in understanding death's finality and managing intense emotions.
- Altered family dynamics and coping strategies, including avoidance and routine maintenance, were common.
- A distinct difference was noted between young siblings' and adults' perspectives on grief, with siblings expressing ongoing struggle alongside hope.
- Participants actively managed their identities, often preferring informal support over formal interventions.
Conclusions:
- Young bereaved siblings possess unique perspectives and coping strategies that differ from adults.
- There is a need to recognize and validate the distinct voices of young bereaved siblings.
- Findings can inform the development of more effective, context-specific support services for this population within a national framework.
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