AIDS and Suicide Disclosure: Mourning Stigmatic Deaths (IN: Talking With Children About Loss: Words, Strategies, and Wisdom… by M Trozzi with K Massimi)

This chapter explores how to explain stigmatic deaths (those resulting from an illness or lifestyle that the general population labels as prohibitive, such as AIDS, suicide, alcohol or drug use, violence, & criminal behavior) to children in a sensitive but honest manner. Case studies are used to provide examples. Differences between younger children & adolescents are explored. The roles of parents, school administration, & therapists in helping children cope with stigmatic deaths are also discussed.