Children bereaved by parent or sibling death

The grief symptoms of children bereaved by the death of a parent or sibling are affected by their understanding of death and their developmental level. The majority of children are resilient in response to loss, though approximately one in five will develop psychiatric disorder. Their outcome is influenced by their age, sex and family factors. Theories of childhood bereavement, and their influence upon interventions with bereaved children, are presented. Risk factors for morbidity are considered, and guidelines given as to when referral to mental health services should be considered. The cultural and religious beliefs of the bereaved are important.