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Blackburn J, Waring G, Turner M, Currell K, Caress AL. Exploring the Impact of Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Young People: A Scoping Review. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2024; 47:55-67. [PMID: 38127065 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2023.2292503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing bereavement as a child or young person (CYP) can have long-lasting effects. The societal and environmental burdens of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exacerbated the experience of loss and grief for many CYP, who were unable to access their usual the support networks. However, it is still unclear what is currently known and not known about the experiences of CYP bereaved during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This review used the framework of Arksey and O'Malley and included five stages: (1) identifying the research question; (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) study selection; (4) charting the data; (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. The methodological quality of the included studies was also assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. The PRISMA framework was used for reporting the results. The electronic databases Medline, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched for relevant articles. A total of three papers meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this review and two main themes identified: (1) support (which included sub-themes; social isolation and the impact on support; support from family and friends; wider support networks); (2) Emotional impact of bereavement during a pandemic. Access to support networks is crucial for CYP to understand and process their emotions relating to their bereavement experience. The pandemic meant that many usual support networks such as family and friends were inaccessible to CYP, who struggled to deal with their experience of grief during this time. Schools are a valuable support mechanism and can help CYP understand their emotions through open discussions about their bereavement. The limited empirical evidence currently available in this area of research demonstrates an important need to further understanding of the long-term impacts of dealing with pandemic-related loss in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Blackburn
- Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Gill Waring
- Department of Nursing, School of Human and Health Sciences, Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Mary Turner
- Department of Nursing, School of Human and Health Sciences, Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Karen Currell
- Department of Nursing, School of Human and Health Sciences, Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Ann-Louise Caress
- Centre for Applied Research in Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Krijnen LJG, van Eldik WM, Mooren TTM, van Rooijen B, Boelen PA, van Baar AL, Spuij M, Verhoeven M, Egberts MR. Factors associated with mental health of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:136. [PMID: 38093365 PMCID: PMC10720157 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying societal measures have impacted children and their families all over the world. Little is known about the factors associated with mental health outcomes in young children (i.e., 1 to 6 years old) during the pandemic. The current study aimed to examine associations with potential risk and protective factors, i.e., direct COVID-19 exposure factors as well as within-family characteristics. METHODS Caregivers of children aged 1-6 years old were recruited in the Netherlands to participate in an ongoing longitudinal research project. In the current study, baseline data-collected during the 1st year of the pandemic-are reported. The final sample consisted of 2762 caregivers who answered questionnaires assessing negative and positive dimensions of their children's mental health (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, sleep problems, positive affect, and self-regulation). Furthermore, caregivers provided information regarding: (1) Direct COVID-19 related factors, i.e., parental infection and death of a family member or close friend due to COVID-19, (2) Family related COVID-19 factors, i.e., parental perceived impact of the pandemic and COVID-19 related parent-child emotion regulation strategies (i.e., active, avoidant and information-focused strategies), (3) General caregiver's distress, i.e., parental mental health, parental feelings of rejection towards their child. Regression analyses were used to examine associations with children's mental health. RESULTS Direct COVID-19 related factors were not associated with more mental health problems in the children, though parental COVID-19 infections were related with less anger in children. Family related COVID-19 factors and caregiver's distress were related with children's mental health. Higher parental perceived negative impact of the pandemic, lower parental perceived positive impact of the pandemic, more avoidant as well as more active and information-focused parent-child emotion regulation strategies, more caregiver's mental health problems and more parental feelings of rejection towards their child were related with more mental health problems in the child. CONCLUSION Direct exposure to COVID-19 was not related with more mental health problems in the child. Family related COVID-19 factors and caregiver's distress appear to play a more important role for young children's mental health. Findings may inform prevention and intervention programs for potential future global crises as well as other stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J G Krijnen
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - W M van Eldik
- Youz, Parnassia Psychiatric Institution, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - T T M Mooren
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - B van Rooijen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P A Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - A L van Baar
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M Spuij
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- TOPP-Zorg, Driebergen, The Netherlands
| | - M Verhoeven
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M R Egberts
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ingeborg Douwes Centrum, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Harrop E, Medeiros Mirra R, Goss S, Longo M, Byrne A, Farnell DJJ, Seddon K, Penny A, Machin L, Sivell S, Selman LE. Prolonged grief during and beyond the pandemic: factors associated with levels of grief in a four time-point longitudinal survey of people bereaved in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1215881. [PMID: 37794891 PMCID: PMC10546414 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been a devastating and enduring mass-bereavement event, with uniquely difficult sets of circumstances experienced by people bereaved at this time. However, little is known about the long-term consequences of these experiences, including the prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and other conditions in pandemic-bereaved populations. Methods A longitudinal survey of people bereaved in the UK between 16 March 2020 and 2 January 2021, with data collected at baseline (n = 711), c. 8 (n = 383), 13 (n = 295), and 25 (n = 185) months post-bereavement. Using measures of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) (Traumatic Grief Inventory), grief vulnerability (Adult Attitude to Grief Scale), and social support (Inventory of Social Support), this analysis examines how participant characteristics, characteristics of the deceased and pandemic-related circumstances (e.g., restricted visiting, social isolation, social support) are associated with grief outcomes, with a focus on symptoms of PGD. Results At baseline, 628 (88.6%) of participants were female, with a mean age of 49.5 (SD 12.9). 311 (43.8%) deaths were from confirmed/suspected COVID-19. Sample demographics were relatively stable across time points. 34.6% of participants met the cut-off for indicated PGD at c. 13 months bereaved and 28.6% at final follow-up. Social isolation and loneliness in early bereavement and lack of social support over time strongly contributed to higher levels of prolonged grief symptoms, while feeling well supported by healthcare professionals following the death was associated with reduced levels of prolonged grief symptoms. Characteristics of the deceased most strongly associated with lower levels of prolonged grief symptoms, were a more distant relationship (e.g., death of a grandparent), an expected death and death occurring in a care-home. Participant characteristics associated with higher levels of prolonged grief symptoms included low level of formal education and existence of medical conditions. Conclusion Results suggest higher than expected levels of PGD compared with pre-pandemic times, with important implications for bereavement policy, provision and practice now (e.g., strengthening of social and specialist support) and in preparedness for future pandemics and mass-bereavement events (e.g., guidance on infection control measures and rapid support responses).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Harrop
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Silvia Goss
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mirella Longo
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Byrne
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kathy Seddon
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Penny
- National Bereavement Alliance, London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Machin
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Sivell
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy E. Selman
- Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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DeChants JP, Price MN, Nath R, Davis CK. Losing a Close Friend or Family Member Due to COVID-19 and Mental Health among LGBTQ Youth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6129. [PMID: 37372716 PMCID: PMC10298429 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the association between having lost a close friend or family member to COVID-19 and mental health outcomes among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) youth. Data come from 33,993 respondents in the United States, ages 13 to 24, who completed an online survey of LGBTQ youth mental health. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds of recent anxiety, depression, considering, or attempting suicide in the past year based on whether or not the youth reported having lost a close friend or family member to COVID-19. Among the full sample, experiences of COVID-19 loss were associated with recent anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-1.40), recent depression (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.15, 1.32]), seriously considering suicide in the past year (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.14, 1.30)), and attempting suicide in the past year (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI (1.41, 1.69)). These findings highlight the urgent need for investment in low-barrier, affirming mental health services for LGBTQ youth who have experienced COVID-19 loss to support their grief, overall mental health, and healthy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah P DeChants
- The Trevor Project, P.O. Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
| | - Myeshia N Price
- The Trevor Project, P.O. Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
| | - Ronita Nath
- The Trevor Project, P.O. Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
| | - Carrie K Davis
- The Trevor Project, P.O. Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
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Breen LJ, Greene D, Rees CS, Black A, Cawthorne M, Egan SJ. A co-designed systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of grief interventions for anxiety and depression in young people. J Affect Disord 2023; 335:289-297. [PMID: 37196936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grief in young people is common and associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, yet grief interventions for this age group are under-researched. METHOD We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of grief interventions in young people. The process was co-designed with young people and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched in July 2021 (updated December 2022). RESULTS We extracted results from 28 studies of grief interventions with young people (14-24 years) that measured anxiety and/or depression (N = 2803 participants, 60 % girls/women). Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for grief demonstrated a large effect for anxiety and medium effect for depression. Meta-regression indicated that CBT for grief that included a higher degree of CBT strategies, was not trauma focused, had >10 sessions, offered on an individual basis, and did not involve parents, was associated with larger effect sizes for anxiety. Supportive therapy had a moderate effect for anxiety and a small-moderate effect for depression. Writing interventions were not effective for anxiety or depression. LIMITATIONS Studies are limited in number and there were few randomized controlled studies. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that CBT for grief is an effective intervention for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people experiencing grief. CBT for grief should be offered as the first line treatment for grieving young people experiencing anxiety and depression. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021264856).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Breen
- enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth 6845, Australia; Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Australia.
| | - Danyelle Greene
- Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Clare S Rees
- Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Amy Black
- Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Australia
| | | | - Sarah J Egan
- enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth 6845, Australia; Discipline of Psychology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Australia
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Selman LE, Sutton E, Medeiros Mirra R, Stone T, Gilbert E, Rolston Y, Murray K, Longo M, Seddon K, Penny A, Mayland CR, Wakefield D, Byrne A, Harrop E. 'Sadly I think we are sort of still quite white, middle-class really' - Inequities in access to bereavement support: Findings from a mixed methods study. Palliat Med 2022; 37:586-601. [PMID: 36337051 PMCID: PMC10074747 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221133665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary and community sector bereavement services are central to bereavement support in the UK. AIM To determine service providers' perspectives on access to their support before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Mixed methods study using an explanatory sequential design: (1) Cross-sectional online survey of UK bereavement services; (2) Qualitative interviews with staff and volunteers at selected services. SETTINGS/PARTICIPANTS 147 services participated in the survey; 24 interviews were conducted across 14 services. RESULTS 67.3% of services reported there were groups with unmet needs not accessing their services before the pandemic; most frequently people from minoritised ethnic communities (49%), sexual minority groups (26.5%), deprived areas (24.5%) and men (23.8%). Compared with before the pandemic, 3.4% of services were seeing more people from minoritised ethnic groups, while 6.1% were seeing fewer. 25.2% of services did not collect ethnicity data. Qualitative findings demonstrated the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on minoritised ethnic communities, including disruption to care/mourning practices, and the need for culturally appropriate support. During the pandemic outreach activities were sometimes deprioritised; however, increased collaboration was also reported. Online provision improved access but excluded some. Positive interventions to increase equity included collecting client demographic data; improving outreach, language accessibility and staff representation; supporting other professionals to provide bereavement support; local collaboration and co-production. CONCLUSIONS Service providers report inequities in access to bereavement support. Attention needs to be paid to identifying, assessing and meeting unmet needs for appropriate bereavement support. Identified positive interventions can inform service provision and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy E Selman
- Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Eileen Sutton
- Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Tracey Stone
- Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Emma Gilbert
- Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Karl Murray
- Ubele Initiative, London, UK.,Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mirella Longo
- Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Catriona R Mayland
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Donna Wakefield
- North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | - Anthony Byrne
- Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emily Harrop
- Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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