The National Archive of Grief Support Studies
The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.
A Support Group Intervention for Children Bereaved by Parental Suicide
Authors:
Mitchell, Ann M.
Wesner, Sue
Garand, Linda
Gale, Deborah Dysart
Havill, Allyson
Brownson, Lynn
Source:
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing: 2007, 20(1), pp. 3-13.
Summary
The authors of this article advocate for support groups specifically designed for children who have experienced the death of a parent or other family member to suicide. The authors identify goals and activities for each session of an eight-session support group intervention involving 6 to 8 children. The authors draw upon Yalom’s theories, focusing on the therapeutic factors of instilling hope, emphasizing universality, facilitating group cohesion and catharsis, and imparting information. Session one focuses on an introduction to the entire program and the establishment of ground rules. Session two provides an opportunity for each child to express feelings associated with the parent’s suicide. Session three focuses on instilling hope by emphasizing universality and interactions with the other children. Session four shifts from a focus on the parent to a focus on the child, and sharing information about grief. Session five continues to instill hope by enhancing group cohesion and interpersonal learning. Session six focuses on identifying positive ways for the child to remember the person who died. Session seven focuses on conflicting emotions and achieving catharsis. Session eight allows for discussion of endings, providing a model for dealing with future losses. The mental health outcomes of children who have gone through this model have yet to be formally evaluated.
Key Words: children, suicide, adjustment, time-limited
Service Provider Implications
Children who have experienced the death of a parent by suicide may experience more complications in mental health and social adjustment. Time-limited, support group programs designed specifically for this population may be helpful.
