Adolescent Experiences with the Death of a Peer

Abstract

The frequency in which today's teenagers have had to confront the death of a peer is understated. A convenience sample of sixty-eight adolescents responded to a 22-question survey instrument addressing the experience with the death of a peer. Eighty-seven percent indicated they had experienced the death of a peer; 13 percent had never experienced the death of a peer (although most replied involvement and awareness of a relative's death). Of the total response, 20 percent indicated that they had more than one experience with the death of a peer. The tool was divided into two sections: death due to illness and death resulting from accidents, or suicide. This descriptive, exploratory study describes adolescent grief reactions, participation in post-death activities (funerals, memorial services) and identification of support systems.

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