Death of a Loved One During Childhood: A Review of Ramifications and Interventions

The death or loss of a loved one and the subsequent accompanying grief is a thoroughly-researched topic. More specifically, the focus on the effects of a loss during childhood is also of great interest and importance. How do these effects manifest, both immediately and later in life? Do the losses of different archetypes in a child’s life bring about different reactions? What are the most common and most effective treatment options? This dissertation will review the existing literature surrounding these topics, and will attempt to make connections in areas that may not have been connected before. Lastly, it will discuss treatment options under a critical lens and offer further inquisitions.