Date of Award

Summer 2026

Rights

Access is available to all users

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA) in Child Life

Department

Children's Studies

First Advisor

Katie Walker

Second Advisor

Mary Ward

Third Advisor

Cindy Nover

Abstract

Childhood bereavement can affect children emotionally, socially, and developmentally, creating a need for support that is both age-appropriate and grief-informed. This qualitative study explored how parents perceived the impact of community grief support programs for their bereaved children. The study focused on children ages 8–12 who attended a peer support group, grief camp, or similar community-based grief support program after the death of a loved one. Data were collected through parent interviews and reviewed through thematic analysis. Findings showed that parents perceived these programs as meaningful because they created safe spaces where children could feel normal and validated in their grief. Parents also described the importance of connection, including peer relationships and supportive adult attention, in reducing children’s feelings of isolation after loss. In addition, play, art, music, movement, and memory-making activities gave children developmentally appropriate ways to express grief when direct conversation was difficult. Parents valued the programs but also identified a need for continued and accessible support after the initial program experience. Accessibility includes potential barriers participants may have in attending a community support program. Barriers may include transportation, geographic location, availability of services, scheduling, and cost. Another barrier to consider is the lack of awareness that community grief support programs are available.

These findings suggest that community grief support programs can offer important emotional and social support for bereaved children, while also highlighting opportunities for stronger follow-through with families. Certified Child Life Specialists may be well positioned to support this work through grief education, coping tools, caregiver guidance, and developmentally appropriate interventions.

Download

Share

COinS