Risk and protective factors for bereavement adaptation: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood bereavement significantly impacts lifelong adaptation and development.
• Existing research lacks a comprehensive review of risk and protective factors for long-term bereavement adaptation.
• Adolescent bereavement presents unique challenges due to concurrent developmental tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify risk and protective factors influencing long-term adaptation to bereavement experienced during childhood and adolescence.
• To synthesize findings within a four-domain framework: mental health, grief, developmental competence, and others.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between February 24 and October 31, 2025.
• Searches conducted across six major databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus).
• Adherence to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with dual reviewer screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (Risk of Bias 2, CASP checklist).

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis will re-examine effect sizes for identified risk and protective factors.
• A random-effects model will be employed to account for inter-study variability.
• Heterogeneity will be assessed, and subgroup analyses will be performed to explore variations in findings.

Conclusions:

• This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of factors affecting bereavement adaptation from childhood through adulthood.
• Findings will inform interventions and support strategies for individuals experiencing early-life loss.
• The study aims to enhance long-term psychosocial well-being following childhood bereavement.