| Researchers have recently called for new models to understand adolescent bereavement that are sensitive to the effects of development and do not uniformly pathologize grief. Accordingly, the proposed model suggests that while experiencing sub-clinical levels of emotional distress, some bereaved adolescents during the transition to young adulthood demonstrate resilience as evidenced by stable functioning at work and school. The effects of prior losses, the nature of the loss (a family member or a close friend), and supportive peers are explored as factors that may mitigate or exacerbate the anticipated effects of loss. Participants include a bereaved subset of 1325 seniors from nine public high schools in the greater Boston area. Study participants were surveyed initially during the 1997--1998 school year and at two subsequent 24-month intervals, which permits the analysis of change over time from baseline reports of functioning recorded before the loss. Of the 1325 subjects at Time 1, 15.2% (N = 201) had lost a close friend or family member.; As predicted, functioning at work and school remained stable as compared to baseline levels measured before the loss, despite certain family losses being associated with increased negative outcomes. Mother and sibling losses were associated with increased depression; paternal loss was associated with decreased mastery. Death of a sibling was associated with improved work functioning immediately following the loss, and was also associated with later emerging depressive symptoms. The loss of a friend was not associated with any of the outcomes. No differences existed between participants with single versus multiple losses on the outcomes of interest. Losing a friend was associated with greater functionality at school and higher ratings of mastery than losing a family member, although these differences dissipated over time. Peer support was independently associated with lower levels of depression and higher levels of mastery, positive affect, and better functioning at work and school. Findings lend support for the proposed resilience model. Despite the experience of some emotional distress in certain cases, the death of a close friend or family member during adolescence does not impair functioning at work and school during the transition to young adulthood. |
