The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
ArticlesNo Access

Toward a Definition of ‘Childhood Mourning’

Though a young child cannot mourn like an adult, optimal responses may be distinguished from pathological ones and used to define “childhood mourning.” Aspects of mourning such as identification and decathexis must be related to the child’s developmental level. Creative use of an “imaginary parent” may help master a parent loss.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.