[Prevention of mental disorders after the loss of a sibling in childhood]

Abstract

Reaction to the loss of somebody close is determined, not only by cultural, historical, social and family factors, but above all by the stage of individual development that has been reached. Children behave differently from adults following "object loss". Their ego and object relations are developing rapidly. The classical phenomena of mourning are usually manifested only after adolescence. When their psychological balance has been upset by bereavement children try to restore it through reparative and adaptive measures. If they are not given adequate support from the parents and paediatrician, or psychotherapeutic help when this is called for, then the loss of a significant person frequently disturbs children's further development. There is an important field for preventive psychohygienic measures open in relation to fatal illness in childhood.