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©
2000 Jordan Institute
for Families
Vol. 2,
No. 4
July 1997
Reactions to the Five Stages of Grief
|
STAGE
|
CHILD'S
BEHAVIOR
|
PARENT
REACTIONS
|
| Shock/denial |
indifference positive initial adjustment to the new living environment lacks commitment or conviction to activities denies the loss emotional numbness |
robot-like, lacks emotion compliance denies there is any problem avoidance |
| Anger |
aggressive expression of feelings aggressive behavior toward others lies, steals, or breaks toys oppositional eating or sleeping disorders |
uncooperative behavior oppositional demanding blaming |
| Bargaining |
eager to please ritualized behaviors negotiate agreements moralistic |
improved compliance makes broad promises |
| Depression |
social and emotional withdrawal increased crying increased anxiety lack of energy unable to communicate regressive behaviors |
forgets appointments exhibits little initiative loss of hope about child returning home |
| Resolution |
identifies with the new family stronger attachments to new family emotional distress decreases exhibits goal-directed behavior decreased emotional reactions to stressful situations |
gets on with his or her life unresponsive to social worker stops visiting the children may accept agency pursuit of permanent custody |
Source
Caye, J. (1996). Effects of separation and loss on attachment. Chapel Hill: School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
© 1997 Jordan Institute for Families