Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief

Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief incorporates theory, clinical applications, case studies, and current research on contemporary models of grief pertaining to children and adolescents. The integration of developmental perspectives, attachment theory, and neurobiological implications provides a thorough summary of the many factors that can affect a child's growth and development, and the subsequent influence on grief expression. Chapters explore relevant social topics rarely addressed in other texts, such as the death of African American men, suicide among Aboriginal youth in Canada, death/suicide among LGBTQ youth and social media's influence. Also included are practical tips for helping professionals who want to better understand how grief and loss affect children and teens, as well as a meditation guide that provides concrete opportunities for growth and healing.

Carrie Arnold, MEd, has been an adjunct faculty in thanatology and psychology at King's University College, Western University since 2005. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has provided psychotherapy and counseling to children, adolescents, and adults since 1999.

Foreword Darcy Harris Acknowledgments About the Editor About the Contributors 1. Introduction Carrie Arnold 2. Developmental Considerations for Grieving Youth Carrie Arnold 3. Assessing Grief and Loss in Children and Adolescents Stephanie Rabenstein 4. Disenfranchised Grief Among Bereaved Youth Carine Blin and Christine Jonas-Simpson 5. Death of a Parent in Childhood or Adolescence Eunice Gorman and Carrie Arnold 6. A Lifetime Loss: Death of a Sibling Adam Koenig 7. Expressive Arts Following the Death of a Friend Sheila O'Donovan 8. The Unique Needs of Children with Life-Limiting Illness Lisa Pearlman 9. Understanding Trauma and Grief Complications Jenifer Freedy 10. Suicide in Children and Adolescents: An Overview Rebecca T. Machado 11. Grief and Loss Among First Nations and African American Youth Tashel Bordere and James Larsen 12. Loss and Resilience in Gender and Sexual Minority Youth Kip G. Williams 13. Grief, Adolescents, and Social Media Carla Sofka 14. Supporting Resilience in Grieving Kids in Today's World Linda Goldman 15. Ethical Practice and Maintaining Well-Being Adam Koenig and Carrie Arnold Appendix: JUST KEEP BREATHING! Mindful Breath Awareness: A Brief Manual for Kids of All Ages Brad Hunter