Contemporary Approaches to Loss, Grief, and Bereavement

Dear Colleagues, 

Coping with death, dying, and grief are universal experiences, but we tend to view them as eventualities to be faced later in life, and then, reluctantly and reactively. Yet, we know children and adolescents must cope with them as well, and rarely do we seek education about death proactively—that is, prior to immediate need. Much is known about how youth conceptualize death and experience bereavement, and how they process their grief. The ways in which bereaved youth are at risk for serious disruptions in their development are well-documented, as is effective programming for supporting children and adolescents in grief. Missing is a greater emphasis on better informing and preparing young people by offering death education throughout childhood and adolescence. Every parent, teacher, and professional who encounters youth will encounter bereaved youth. Death education does not “teach away” death or grief but rather makes space for more effective support and coping in times of need. Honest, developmentally appropriate conversations about death, dying, and grief can enhance life for all who partake in such conversations. This Special Issue invites submissions that will advance understanding of the need for death education for youth. Conceptual, empirical, multidisciplinary, multicultural, and theoretical contributions are welcomed.

Dr. Lesa Rae Vartanian
Guest Editor

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