Publication Date
2011
Document Type
Dissertation
Committee Members
J. Scott Fraser (Committee Member), Cheryl Meyer (Committee Chair), Eve Wolf (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Abstract
The death of a parent can represent one of the most devastating life experiences for children. It is an experience that disrupts a developmental path. It is also a crisis that families and communities must address in order to help a grieving child cope and develop resilience. Currently, there are few mental health resources available for parentally bereaved children. Literature on bereavement following the death of a parent suggests that children may experience long-term negative psychological consequences from the loss. However, the literature also notes that with appropriate support, access to resources, and opportunities to express their grief and build self-efficacy, grieving children can emerge from the loss of a parent as resilient individuals. A mental health informational website was created to help families and communities foster resilience in grieving children. The website contains information for children, parents, caregivers, and professionals. The creation of the website is discussed in addition to issues of childhood bereavement, future directions of the website, and ethical considerations.
Page Count
122
Department or Program
School of Professional Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2012
Copyright
Copyright 2011, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
