A child's grief after the death of a sibling – a review of selected theoretical and empirical aspects

Abstract

The aim of the article is to review selected theoretical and empirical aspects concerning the death of a sibling as well as its psychological and social consequences for a living child. This topic has not been of interest to researchers so far. This fact may pose an obstacle in searching for effective forms of social and educational support for families who have been orphaned in this way, especially for children. The article illustrates the importance of selected factors that determine the grief experience of children in connection with the loss of a sibling, such as: gender and age, type and cause of sibling death, features of the family environment. Considering the practical implications, it may be emphasized that the ability of the living child to cope with the loss may depend on the willingness of parents to discuss the death of a sibling. Moreover, in order to plan the care and educational impact, gender, age, type and cause of sibling death should be taken into account.