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Publication Date

2021-10

First Advisor

Marsha Kline Pruett

Second Advisor

Ernestine C. Briggs

Third Advisor

Joan Lesser

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

bereaved, children, attachment, behavior, grief

Abstract

The following manuscript describes a research study to fulfill part of the requirements for a PhD at Smith College School for Social Work. It offers an introduction to the scarcity of empirical data on the psychological outcomes and functioning of bereaved young and school aged children (defined here as birth to 12 years of age). It includes a review of the literature, including attachment theory and trauma theory to elucidate why children’s response to bereavement is likely impacted by how much bereavement and loss they have experienced as well as the relationship with the deceased. Theory suggests that both a child’s attachment and behavior problems are likely to be affected by experiences of bereavement and that the degree of problems with attachment and behavior will likely rise with increased experiences of bereavement and with increased closeness or dependency in the relationship with the deceased. Analyses used for exploring the effects of bereavement on attachment and behavioral problems using quantitative, secondary data from the Core Data Set (CDS) from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network are outlined, followed by results of the analyses. This manuscript concludes with a discussion of the findings and their implications for social work practice, social work policy, and future research.

Rights

©2021 Mary H. Wise-Kriplani. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

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