How best to provide help to bereaved adolescents: a Delphi consensus study

Abstract

Background Many adolescents struggle with their grief and mental health issues after the death of a close person, such as a family member or a friend. Given the potentially devastating impact of the loss on the adolescent and their family, professional help can be warranted. However, little is known about how to best help these adolescents. This study aimed to address this gap by determining what help professionals (i.e., counselors) should provide to bereaved adolescents. Methods The Delphi method was used to achieve consensus regarding the importance of statements that describe actions a helping professional can take to help a bereaved adolescent. Statements were compiled through a systematic search of the scientific and grey literature, and reviewing interview data from a recent related research study with bereaved adolescents, parents and counselors. An expert panel (N = 49) comprising 16 adolescents, 14 parents and 19 helping professionals, rated each statement. Statements that were endorsed by at least 80% of panellists were considered consensus recommendations. Results Panellists endorsed 130 out of 190 statements as appropriate actions. These included help for a bereaved adolescent being offered on an ongoing basis, with support to be provided flexibly to meet individual adolescent needs and to acknowledge the agency of the adolescent. Support after a loss by suicide should be tailored to address specific suicide-related issues. Parents of bereaved adolescents should also be offered support so that they are better equipped to help their bereaved adolescent. Conclusions This study identified consensus recommendations on how a helping professional might best help bereaved adolescents. It is hoped that these recommendations will guide helping professionals and enhance adolescent grief interventions.

Correction to: How best to provide help to bereaved adolescents: a Delphi consensus study

“…Author details 1 Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St., Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia. 2 Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT , Canberra 2617, Australia.…”

Perspectives on family-based suicide prevention and postvention

“…These findings are in line with review of the literature and consensus recommendations, indicating that a parental or family component may contribute to effectiveness of support offered to children and adolescents bereaved by suicide. 11 Overall, studies have reported mixed findings regarding the effectiveness of postvention interventions, and especially the effectiveness of interventions in regard to risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour remains unclear, mostly because of a lack of research. 12 Nonetheless, a few family-oriented studies reported on suicidal ideation as an intervention outcome.…”

“…These findings are in line with review of the literature and consensus recommendations, indicating that a parental or family component may contribute to effectiveness of support offered to children and adolescents bereaved by suicide. 11 …”

Caring for family members following suicide: Professionals’ experiences of responsibility

“…Many people need professional and often long-term follow-up to go on with their own lives. [14][15][16] Adolescents who have been followed up by professionals emphasize the time aspect: They may need more help in the long term rather than immediate help after the suicide. 16 Family members report the importance of not feeling alone, especially during the critical period after the suicide.…”