Search for New Meaning: Adolescent Bereavement after the Sudden Death of a Sibling

Abstract

Many adolescents experience the sudden death of a brother or sister, yet little is known about the bereavement process. The purpose of this study was to use a grounded theory approach to examine the bereavement process for adolescents who experienced the sudden death of a sibling. Interviews conducted with six adolescents, within seven years of their sibling's death, provided the major sources of data. The findings of this study indicate that the bereavement process is variable and encompasses five stages: (a) finding out, (b) avoiding realityr, (c) facing reality, (d) turning the corner, and (e) finding new meaning versus ending the search. In each of these stages the adolescent focuses on the basic psychological process of the ‘search for new meaning’. Findings from this study may give new insights into interventions for helping teens through this bereavement process that is grounded in scientific rationale and is age sensitive, addressing adolescents' unique experiences and concerns.