BEREAVEMENT AND MOURNING IN PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION SETTINGS

Developmental changes in children's acquisition of death concepts and in their emotional reactions are reviewed. Moderating variables that m ay affect the nature of grieving processes after parental or sibling d eath are discussed, including circumstances of the loss, prior experie nce with death, and the child's cognitive functioning. Pragmatic issue s (such as when and how to inform children of parental or sibling deat h) regarding bereavement and mourning in children with acquired brain injuries are reviewed and illustrated by means of case studies. Specia l challenges to rehabilitation professionals who must deal with these issues (including the concurrent treatment of secondary losses, cognit ive deficits, and organic personality changes) are discussed.