Effects of children facing loss at a young age on psychological development

This research paper explores the effects of children facing loss at a young age on psychological development.

Background information

It is estimated that around 20% of children will experience the death of a parent or significant other before they turn 18 (Stroebe, Schut, & Stroebe, 2008). Given the prevalence of this experience, it is not surprising that numerous studies have investigated the effects of bereavement on children’s psychological development. The vast majority of this research has focused on the long-term effects of parental loss during childhood; however, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that even very young children are affected by bereavement (e.g., Klass, Silverman, & Nickman, 1996).

A number of different factors have been found to moderate the impact of bereavement on children’s psychological development. For example, Stroebe et al. (2008) found that the age of the child at the time of loss was a significant predictor of how well the child coped with the death. More specifically, they found that younger children (aged 5-9 years) were more likely to experience negative long-term outcomes than older children (aged 10-17 years). Other research has shown that the relationship between the child and the deceased also plays a role in moderating the effects of loss; for instance, Klass et al. (1996) found that children who had a close relationship with the deceased were more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who did not have a close relationship.

It is clear from the existing research that children are adversely affected by bereavement, even when they are very young. Given the potential long-term effects of this experience, it is important to understand the mechanisms through which loss leads to negative outcomes. One possible explanation is that children who experience loss are more likely to develop insecure attachment relationships with their caregivers (Stroebe et al., 2008). This, in turn, can lead to problems with social and emotional development and difficulties in forming future relationships.

In conclusion, loss during childhood can significantly impact psychological development. The child's age and the relationship between the child and the deceased are two important factors that moderate the effects of bereavement. Given the potential long-term consequences of this experience, it is important to understand the mechanisms through which loss leads to negative outcomes.

References

Klass, D., Silverman, P. R., & Nickman, S. L. (1996). Bereaved children and adolescents: A review of the past 10 years. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(8), 1134-1141.

Stroebe, M., Schut, H., & Stroebe, W. (2008). Health outcomes of bereavement. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 4(1), 241-267. doi:10.1146/annurev.cl