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Talking with children about death and dying

S A Pettle¹, C M Britten

¹Northgate Junior Adolescent Unit, Napsbury Hospital London Colney, Barnet, UK.

Child: Care, Health and Development

|November 1, 1995

Summary

This study explores how children understand death and common grief reactions. It provides guidance on discussing this sensitive topic and suggests clinical interventions for children and families.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Child Psychology
Thanatology

Background:

Children's cognitive development significantly impacts their understanding of death.
Grief reactions in children vary based on age, developmental stage, and individual experiences.
Open and age-appropriate communication is crucial when discussing death with children.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the developmental trajectory of children's understanding of death.
To describe common grief reactions observed in pediatric populations.
To provide a framework for discussing death with children and propose clinical interventions.

Main Methods:

Literature review on child development and grief.
Synthesis of existing research on pediatric thanatology.
Framework development for communication and intervention.

Main Results:

Children's comprehension of death evolves through distinct developmental stages.
Common grief responses include emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms.
Effective communication strategies involve honesty, validation, and age-appropriateness.

Conclusions:

Understanding children's cognitive and emotional development is key to discussing death.
Tailored clinical interventions at individual, family, and group levels can support grieving children.
This paper offers a foundational guide for healthcare professionals and caregivers.

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