Specific grief behaviors observed in children ages 4-16 years in the 2
years after the death of a sibling are reported. Using the Child Beha
vior Checklist (CBCL), the parents of 90 boys and girls rated the occu
rrence of behavior problems in their children. Behavior problems ident
ified in 50% or more of the children are reported both for the total s
ample and by age and sex groups. The behaviors commonly observed in th
e bereaved children predominantly fell into the Aggression subscale of
the standardized CBCL. It is suggested that bereaved children use agg
ressive behaviors instrumentally to gain parental attention, rather th
an as an instinctual expression of hostility and anger.