Childhood bereavement among Cambodians: cultural considerations.

Abstract

For many children bereavement services are not available until they develop extreme symptoms of chronic grief, posttraumatic stress disorder or depression, if then. This is especially true in some ethnic/racial communities where language and cultural barriers exist. The author uses a review of the literature and interviews with service providers and religious leaders in the Cambodian community of Long Beach to explore those unique cultural factors that have an impact on healthy childhood grief resolution among Cambodian children. Some suggestions for service provision are offered.