How children cope at school after family bereavement

Fourteen young adults who had been bereaved at least four years previously were asked how a close personal bereavement before the age of 16 had affected their educational and related experiences during childhood. This small and diverse group recalled with some emotion the far-reaching effects of bereavement on their day-to-day functioning and well-being, which some were still assimilating. Most said that concentration and motivation were disrupted. Some interviewees seemed to be more strategic in their coping responses, adopting a restorative approach to school life, and dealing with loss-related issues elsewhere. Others described more chaos and distress in school after the loss and were generally more negative. School support and understanding was inconsistent. Some suggestions are made for improving support for bereaved children. The discussion raises some interesting issues about consciousness and cognitive process.