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 Framework for Healing from Loss: A Further Integration of Psychodynamic and Social Work Theory
Authors:
McCarthy, Justine
Source:
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment: 2006. Volume 14, Issue 3, pp. 45-79.
Summary
The article draws upon both psychodynamic and social work theory to provide insight into the way loss and grief can result in behavioral problems in youth. The article uses a case study of a twelve year-old boy who had been abandoned by both parents. The author drew upon psychodynamic theories to gain understanding of the youth’s intra-psychic functioning, and used theories from social work to incorporate insights regarding the youth’s family, social, and cultural environment. The author recommends that clinicians be aware of losses that may have occurred early in a child’s experience, and be conscious of the long-term impact of trauma associated with early losses.
Key words: child, complicated, intervention, trauma, prolonged
Service Provider Implications
This article points out that losses other than those resulting from death can produce intense grief in children. The author recommends that clinicians be aware of the long-term impact that traumatic loss can have on children. Grief associated with early losses can be manifested as anger and behavioral problems as children mature.
