Abstract
Childhood bereavement is experienced by one in eleven children by age eighteen and is associated with a range of symptoms that impact function (Judi’s House, 2024; Stikkelbroek et al., 2016). Bereaved children often show increased internalizing symptoms for more than two years following loss and demonstrate challenges with self-regulation, which can impact a child’s participation in their everyday environments (Edgar-Bailey & Kress, 2010; Stikkelbroek et al., 2016). While dysregulation has been researched in children exposed to other forms of trauma, it and the resulting sensory needs of bereaved children are largely unexplored. This occupational therapy capstone project utilized mixed methods exploratory research in partnership with a grief center to investigate the sensory needs of bereaved children in order to equip professionals to meet the needs of this population. Results indicated that bereaved children are more likely to experience sensory challenges than their non-bereaved counterparts, demonstrating the need for further exploration of the role of occupational therapy in addressing the needs of bereaved children.
Faculty Mentor
Bethany Horne OTD, MS, OTR/L
Graduation Date
5-2-2026
Document Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Gemma, Eleanor and Horne, Bethany OTD, MS, OTR/L, "Investigating the Sensory Needs of Bereaved Children in a Therapeutic Group Setting" (2026). Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstones. 71.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/otd_capstone/71
