Psychoanalysis.  2016 Jul;27(3):92-100. 10.18529/psychoanal.2016.27.3.92.

The Development and Clinical Implication of Subconcept of Death in Children

• Bahn GH
• Park EJ
• Lee SH
• Hwangbo R
• Cho S

• KMID: 2344946
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18529/psychoanal.2016.27.3.92

Abstract

Although children and adolescents sometimes experience death of a family member or pet, it is difficult for them to comprehend death as a part of life process. The manner in which children understand the concept of death is unclear. In this study, we attempted to analyze and determine the understanding of the concept of death in children. Subconcepts like irreversibility, non-functionality, inevitability or universality, causality, etc., develop sequentially during childhood. Some argue that other subconcepts like non-corporeal continuation, unpredictability, and old age also develop during that period. The concept of the death itself is limited, and the debate continues on whether it is ethical to perform related research on children. However, it is very important to assess how children think about and react to death clinically, as well as to find ways to help them when necessary. It is important to understand the emotional reaction and progression including depression and anxiety that results from the death of loved ones, like parents. Because the ability to understand and accept death develops with age, it is necessary to develop a method that can improve the child's ability to understand death according to their age. Such method will allow children to overcome the death of loved ones and reinvest in their life after going through a sufficient period of mourning.

Keyword

Subconcept; Death; Suicide; Family; Childhood; Irreversibility; Depression

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Anxiety
Child*
Depression
Grief
Humans
Love
Methods
Parents
Suicide