Adolescent Bereavement and Social Support: Peer Loss Compared to Other Losses

The authors examined the incidence, experience, & perceptions of social support after an adolescent’s loss of a peer, grandparent, or other person by surveying 85 participants aged 17 to 20 about their experience of loss during adolescence (ages 14 to 19 years). 70.6% of participants had experienced a loss, & 43.5% experienced the loss of a peer. All but 1 of the peer deaths detailed were due to accident, suicide, or accidental homicide. Participants’ perceptions about the type & duration of support received & wanted were analyzed. (50 refs)