PATTERNS OF GRIEF IN YOUNG-CHILDREN FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF A SIBLING

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.