A World That Recognises, Validates, and Supports Young People's Grief: A Co-Designed Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Grief Studies

Background:

• Grief in young people is a significant public health issue.
• Understanding adolescents' and young adults' perspectives on grief support is limited.
• Youth-led co-design was central to this research project.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore young people's views on grief literacy and support.
• To identify components of a grief-literate world from a youth perspective.
• To inform the development of youth-centered grief support strategies.

Main Methods:

• Youth-led design approach.
• Engagement of a Youth Advisory Committee.
• Conducting 10 workshops with 42 young people (aged 14-24) to discuss grief literacy and co-create scenarios.

Main Results:

• Thematic analysis revealed five key themes regarding grief literacy: importance, definition, components, examples, and dissemination.
• Young people conceptualize grief literacy as knowing about grief, offering support, and practicing self-compassion.
• Identified losses include death, divorce, job loss, life transitions, relationship break-ups, identity shifts, and global crises.

Conclusions:

• Young people desire validation, normalization of grief, and to be listened to, rejecting clichés and unsolicited advice.
• There is a need for structured educational approaches to grief, covering communication, support-seeking, peer support, and reducing isolation.
• Findings emphasize the importance of creating environments that recognize, validate, and support adolescent and young adult grief.