Childhood Traumatic Grief: Concepts and Controversies

• NCJ Number: 197407
• Journal: Trauma, Violence, and Abuse: A Review Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 307-327
• Author(s): Judith A. Cohen; Anthony P. Mannarino; Tamra Greenberg; Susan Padlo; Carrie Shipley
• Date Published: October 2002
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the essential elements of the condition referred to as childhood traumatic grief.

Abstract

Discussing childhood traumatic grief, a condition likened to uncomplicated bereavement, adult complicated grief, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this article addresses the core features of this condition and its potential treatments. After asserting that childhood traumatic grief is not consistently differentiated from adult complicated grief, normal childhood bereavement, or PTSD, the authors distinguish uncomplicated bereavement as deep mental anguish or sorrow over a loss. After defining adult complicated grief as normal bereavement complicated by separation over the loss of a relationship, this article discusses childhood PTSD as a mental condition following an experienced or witnessed traumatic event, in order to differentiate these conditions from childhood traumatic grief. Addressing childhood traumatic grief itself, the authors distinguish this condition from those aforementioned by defining it as the encroachment of traumatic symptoms on a child’s ability to grieve. Citing differences among childhood traumatic grief and uncomplicated bereavement, adult complicated grief, and PTSD, the authors argue that in childhood traumatic grief a child is so traumatized that he or she is unable to complete the tasks of uncomplicated bereavement and is plagued with horrors and fears associated with the idea of death. The authors suggest that mediating, assessing, and treating childhood traumatic grief is best accomplished by early assessment, careful appraisal of a child’s family circumstances, and prompt intervention. The authors conclude that clinicians need to be better trained at recognizing the distinctions between childhood traumatic grief and other forms of grief in order to best serve their child clients. References