The profound impact of losing a parent during childhood can be a pivotal point in a child's life, affecting their emotional, social, and psychological well-being. As practitioners dedicated to supporting bereaved children, it is crucial to employ data-driven approaches to enhance the effectiveness of our interventions. The recent study, "The influence of actors on the content and execution of a bereavement programme: a Bourdieu-inspired ethnographical field study in Sweden," provides valuable insights that can significantly improve our practices.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
Confidentiality and Trust-Building
The study highlights the importance of confidentiality within bereavement support programs. Volunteers and researchers adhered to strict confidentiality rules, fostering a trust-based environment for children to express their feelings. However, children were restricted from sharing their experiences outside the program, which could hinder their coping mechanisms.
Implication: Practitioners should balance confidentiality with opportunities for children to share their experiences in safe, external environments. Creating support networks that extend beyond the program can help children process their grief more effectively.
Structured and Unstructured Interactions
The study found that different physical settings within the program influenced children's interactions. Structured sessions focused on grief-related activities, while unstructured mingles allowed children to connect over shared interests.
Implication: Incorporate both structured and unstructured activities in bereavement programs. Structured sessions can address specific grief-related issues, while unstructured mingles can help children build social connections, reducing feelings of isolation.
Communication Strategies
Children often used non-verbal communication methods, such as drawing or using cell phones, to express their feelings. The volunteers initially struggled with the children's limited verbal communication but eventually adapted by extending breaks and allowing more free interactions.
Implication: Recognize and validate non-verbal communication as a legitimate way for children to express their grief. Encourage a variety of communication methods, including art and play, to help children articulate their emotions.
Shared Interests Over Shared Experiences
The study revealed that children connected more through shared interests and daily activities rather than their common experience of bereavement. This finding underscores the importance of integrating everyday interests into bereavement support programs.
Implication: Develop activities that align with children's interests and hobbies. This approach can make the program more engaging and help children feel 'normal,' reducing the stigma associated with bereavement.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also opens the door for further research. Understanding how different actors within a program influence its content and execution can help us design more effective interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and research to refine their approaches and better support bereaved children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The influence of actors on the content and execution of a bereavement programme: a Bourdieu-inspired ethnographical field study in Sweden.
