CBP Child and Adolescent Bereavement Flashcards

Which developmental stage is MOST likely to exhibit 'magical thinking' as a response to the death of a parent?

Answer: Early childhood (ages 2–7)

Children in Piaget's preoperational stage (ages 2–7) commonly use magical thinking, believing their thoughts or wishes may have caused a death.

A 10-year-old bereaved child repeatedly asks the same questions about how a grandparent died. This behavior MOST likely indicates:

Answer: A normal need to process the loss through repetition

Repetitive questioning is a developmentally normal way school-age children cognitively process and integrate the reality of a loss.

The Dougy Center model for children's grief groups is primarily based on which core belief?

Answer: Children have an innate capacity to heal and need a safe space to express grief

The Dougy Center model holds that children are resilient and have a natural capacity to heal when given a safe, supportive environment.

When informing a child about a death, best practice recommends using which type of language?

Answer: Clear, honest, and age-appropriate language including the word 'died'

Using clear language like 'died' prevents confusion and magical thinking, which can be caused by common euphemisms like 'went to sleep.'

An adolescent who has lost a sibling begins skipping school, withdrawing from friends, and using substances. A CBP practitioner would FIRST:

Answer: Assess for complicated grief, depression, and suicide risk

A comprehensive risk assessment is the priority when a bereaved adolescent displays multiple warning signs including social withdrawal and substance use.

Which of the following is a hallmark sign that differentiates 'typical' childhood grief from a more serious clinical concern?

Answer: Persistent functional impairment lasting more than six months

Persistent functional impairment—difficulty in school, relationships, or daily activities lasting over six months—signals a need for clinical evaluation beyond normal grief support.