Grief Processing in Childhood and Adolescence: Theoretical Perspectives and Psychoeducational Implications
Author: Maria Anna Formisano, Ph.D.*, Raffale Felaco
Psychologist and Lecturer, University of Salerno, Italy.
Published Date: 2025-08-09
Keywords: grief, developmental age, school context, psychoeducational support, resilience.
Abstract:
This paper analyzes the delicate role of the school in supporting grief processing during the developmental years, within a sociocultural context that, while exposing individuals to death through media, represses its private elaboration. It examines the different manifestations of grief in childhood and adolescence, highlighting the specific psychological needs of each phase. The school, as an "educating community," is not limited to an emergency response but must adopt a multidimensional and strategic approach. The objective is to transform the educational institution into a genuine hub of resilience, capable not only of supporting the bereaved student but also of educating the entire community on finitude, empathy, and active citizenship.
