# data[].attributes.body
Loss is an aspect of life that many experience at least once. How we respond to that loss, whether death related or non-death related, is known as grief. Adolescents may grieve differently than adults or children depending on their level of emotional and cognitive development (Robin and Omar, 2014). Doka (2014) expresses that there is not much attention on adolescents in terms of grieving. Instead, the focus tends to be on adults and children. Teenagers crave a sense of "normalcy" and do not want to appear as "different" to their peers. When faced with loss, they can find life to be overwhelming (Walter and McCoyd, 2015). It is important that they receive the support that they need.

# data[].attributes.body
Those who interact with adolescents who are in the beginning stages of grief believe them to be sad, angry and fearful. Their behavior can be affected by sleep disturbances, withdrawal and other symptoms. It is important to note that the initial reactions depend largely on the adolescents age at the time of the death. Adolescents can sometimes react in a similar way that adults would. However, they may be reluctant to show or express their emotions due to society's norms that are placed on emotions (Green et al, 1984). This can be especially true for young men as they are told not to express "negative" emotions, such as sadness.

# data[].attributes.body
Adolescents generally experience intense emotions of bereavement. However, they are typically experienced in shorter episodes than adults that involve "breaks" in their grief where they continue normal activities. Due to this, the grieving process may appear to be shorter for adolescents. However, this cycle continues into their adulthood. As adolescents as still developing during their time of bereavement, they may struggle with the nature of grief. Each new developmental step challenges these young individuals to reinterpret their concept of death (Robin and Omar, 2014).

# data[].attributes.body
Created by: Mari Andrew

# data[].attributes.body
Early adolescence includes the ages 12 to 14. During this period, these teens are experiencing the first stages of puberty. This can bring about mood swings and explosive emotions. Complicated bereavement involves the inability to resume normal cognitive and emotional development. Complicated bereavement in this age group can result in depression, drug or alcohol use and other alarming activity involvement. Their behavior can also become argumentative as they are trying to deal with the challenges of growing up and the death. Middle adolescence involves ages 15 to 17. This age group may experience grief similary to how early adolescence does. However, depending on their emotional development, they may acknowledge the aspect of death similarly to adults (Robin and Omar, 2014).

# data[].attributes.headline
Ways Adolescent Grief Differs From Other Age Groups

# data[].attributes.subject
Ways Adolescent Grief Differs From Other Age Groups

# data[].attributes.body
Adolescents are more likely to experience sudden, unexpected and traumatic losses. In some cases with adolescence, losses may feel sudden even if they are from natural causes. It is important that the individuals affected are supporting in navigating their emotions and their new outlook on life. Adolescence can feel isolated in their grief. At a young age, they turned to their families and friends when something upset them. Now, they feel as if they have to be independent. During this time of grief, they may turn to the Internet and social media platforms to cope. Our society is obsessed with the Internet and connecting to individuals that we have never met and do not plan on meeting. There are many safe and supportive platforms on the Internet; however, it is important that the individuals are safe when surfing the Web (Doka, 2014).

# data[].attributes.body
Cogntive behavior therapy (CBT) is considered to be one of the most effective forms of therapy for a number of diagnoses. In terms of treating traumatic grief in adolescents, it is the most effective and evidence-based approach. CBT involves the combination of trauma-focused and grief-focused intenventions. Trauma-focused interventions focus on creating affective expression and stress management skills. Whereas grief-focused interventions involve talking about the loss, addressing feelings and perserving the positive memories (Edgar-Bailey and Kress, 2010).

# data[].attributes.body
Writing about one's trauma involves processing the traumatic event, or events, and identifying the "worst moment". After identifying this moment, the counselor should help the client to review any inaccurate thoughts. A template can be provided by the counselor to assist the child in starting the writing process. It is important that the bereaved adolescent includes all the information regarding the loss (Edgar-Bailey and Kress, 2010).

# data[].attributes.body
Writing letters addressed to the deceased is another creative way to address the adolescents grief. These letters are then discussed in therapy to point out if they have any unrealistic cognitive distortions. Then, the counselor can correct the distortions by pointing out the reality of them. If the loss is one that was unexpected, this also provides them a way to say goodbye to their loved one. The process is extremely emotional for the individual and needs to be taken with caution. These letters can be saved and looked back on at times of mourning, such as anniversaries or birthdays (Edgar-Bailey and Kress, 2010).

# data[].attributes.body
Doka, K. J. (2014, June 18). 6 Ways That Adolescent Grief Is Different. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/six-ways-that-adolescent-_b_5148211.

Edgar-Bailey, M. and Kress, V.E. “Resolving Child and Adolescent Traumatic Grief: Creative Techniques and Interventions” (2010). Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. http://www.nccucounseling.com/documents/Webinars/2011-09-20/Creative_Interventions_with_Kids.pdf

Green, M., Osterweis, M., Solomon, F., Staff, N. R. C. (1984). Bereavement: Reactions, Consequences, and Care. United States: National Academies Press.

Robin, L. and Omar, H.A. “Adolescent Bereavement” (2014). Pediatrics Faculty Publications. 121. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1120&context=pediatrics_facpub&httpsredir=1&referer=

Walter, C.A. & McCoyd, J.L.M. (2015). Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan: A Biopsychosocial Perspective (2 nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing.