Childhood Bereavement Amidst Multiple Pandemics

Childhood bereavements are not new and normal, culturally defined mourning processes have always required social support. Unfortunately, COVID-19 - like other pandemics, wars, natural disasters, and famines - has complicated and disrupted normal mourning in both children and adults. I review some of these complications and disruptions and then go on to describe some of the interventions that may be helpful and supportive to bereaved children and their families. While it is important to avoid viewing mourning processes as evidence of psychopathology, it remains true that a sensitive, psychoanalytically attuned approach to mourning may help identify those people who, because of past or present circumstances, may find their bereavements to be particularly disorganizing. That attunement puts us in a position to help individual children, families, and whole communities find alternative ways to do the work of mourning despite the obstacles imposed by pandemics, wars, and natural disasters.

Automated summary

Childhood bereavements are not uncommon, and culturally defined mourning processes have always required social support. However, events like the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, natural disasters, and famines have added complications and disruptions to the normal mourning experiences of both children and adults. This article discusses some of these complications and disruptions, as well as interventions that can be helpful and supportive to bereaved children and their families. While it is important not to pathologize mourning processes, a sensitive and psychoanalytically attuned approach can help identify individuals who may find their bereavements particularly disorganizing due to past or present circumstances. By attuning ourselves to these dynamics, we can assist individual children, families, and communities in finding alternative ways of mourning despite the obstacles posed by pandemics, wars, and natural disasters.