71 Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 2:71–80, 2009 Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC ISSN: 1936-1521 print / 1936-153X online DOI: 10.1080/19361520902861913 WCAT 1936-1521 1936-153X Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, Vol. 2, No. 2, April 2009: pp. 1–19 Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Research on Trauma and Loss Grief and Trauma in Children After the Death of a Sibling Grief and Trauma M. M. Paris et al. MEGAN M. PARIS, 1,2 BRIAN L. CARTER, 2 SUSAN X. DAY, 1 AND MARY W. ARMSWORTH 1 1 University of Houston 2 University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Parent loss is understood as a fundamental loss to a child, but less is known about the consequences of a sibling’s death. The present study explored self-reported grief and trauma among 26 sibling-bereaved children to help inform effective support interven- tions. Grief and trauma scores were highly correlated in our sample, and there were no definitive differences based upon type of loss. The main limitation was a small sample, but our results provide ecologically valid information rather than data from children recruited for research purposes. Implications for continued data collection and publication from naturalistic settings and meta-analytic recommendations are discussed. Keywords sibling bereavement, childhood grief, trauma Introduction The death of a loved one is considered one of life’s most stressful events (Holmes & Rahe, 1967). In 2006 alone, approximately 2.4 million people died in the United States (Heron, Hoyert, Xu, Scott, & Tejada-Vera, 2008), with millions more left behind to cope with the loss. An examination of the personal process of coping with the loss of a loved one is important to help understand the components of healing, to minimize complications, and to maximize effective support. Childhood Grief Experience Distinguishing childhood grief from adults’ will help counselors recognize the unique features of childhood grief. Children will not necessarily interpret a loss as an adult would and may not benefit from the same kind of support. For example, social rituals (e.g., funerals Received September 3, 2008; revised November 17, 2008; revised February 19, 2009; accepted February 22, 2009. Address correspondence to Megan M. Paris, Department of Behavioral Science, Unit 1330, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 301439, Houston, TX 77230–1439. E-mail: meganmichel@yahoo.com