(PS10-45) Adolescent Sibling Bereavement: A Qualitative Exploration of Its Impact and Coping Approaches

While relatively rare, when the death of a sibling does occur in adolescence, it is associated with 

negative physical and mental health consequences, as well as impacts on subsequent life course and 

development. The ways in which adolescents cope with sibling bereavement may affect how the loss 

impacts them, but literature on this topic is limited. To address this gap, we analyzed interviews with 7 

adults who lost a sibling in adolescence and examined the short- and long-term impact that the loss had 

on their lives and the coping approaches utilized (including social support). Interviews were analyzed 

using thematic analysis. We identified multiple impacts of sibling bereavement during adolescence, both 

short and long-term. At the time of the death, these included taking on a parental role, a change in 

family relationships, the development of mental health concerns, and a feeling of missing out on typical 

adolescent experiences. Later in life, impacts of sibling adolescent bereavement included an influence 

on life or career decisions, an effect on existential understanding of life, and facilitation of emotional 

and spiritual growth. Participants who lost a sibling identified also several common coping strategies, 

such as avoidance or distraction; establishing continuing bonds with their deceased sibling; spiritual 

belief systems; and use of social support. Clinical and research implications of findings will be discussed.