Abstract
Despite the number of deaths that occur worldwide each year and their negative effects on school-aged children and teenagers, teachers and school psychologists report not being properly prepared to assist grieving students (Adamson and Peacock, Psychology in the Schools, 44, 749–764, 2007; Pratt et al. Education, 107, 279–286, 1987). Therefore, it is vital that school psychologists increase their comfort in supporting bereaved students and help foster a greater understanding and acceptance surrounding death in the schools. Since an individual’s understanding of death differs depending on his/her age and cognitive development, the current paper provides school psychologists with essential information to support bereaved students of all ages. Specific symptoms and considerations pertaining to different levels of cognitive development are first described. Next, developmentally appropriate strategies that can easily be applied in school settings are provided. The paper concludes with a case study describing the interventions utilized and comparing the outcomes in two school-based bereavement groups. Practical implications and areas for future research are also provided.
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Brown, J.A., Jimerson, S.R. & Comerchero, V.A. Cognitive Development Considerations to Support Bereaved Students: Practical Applications for School Psychologists. Contemp School Psychol 19, 103–111 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-014-0018-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-014-0018-6