Resilience and bereaved children

Helping a child to develop a resilient mind-set following the death of a parent

Authors

  • Julie Stokes

Keywords:

Parental death, bereaved children, resilience, gender, memory processes

Abstract

Abstract

The article considers a variety of inter-relating cognitive, relational and social factors that can have an impact on a bereaved child developing a resilient mind-set. It identifies some of the risk factors that can complicate a child's response to a parental death. Particular attention is given to the relevance of gender issues in relation to resilience. Guidelines for practice are outlined. Finally, the importance of understanding memory processes in developing a healthy connection between the child and the parent who has died is discussed.

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Published

2009-04-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles