From Shadow to Light: Supporting Grieving African American Youth Through Multiple Connectedness

Dr. Laura S. Wheat, LPC, NCC

Georgia Regents University

Augusta, GA

Overview Introduction Case Example Grief in Adolescence – incl.

challenges for African American Youth

PVEST Multiple Connectedness Strategies for Support

The Case of Rashad

Adolescents, in creating individual

identity, view themselves as

invincible and deny the idea of “my personal death.”

Adolescent Grief• Threatens natural branching away

from family

• Disrupted peer relationships and school life possible

• As they grow older, their responses begin to resemble adult reactions

Adolescent Grief• May also have combination of more

childlike reactions mixed with adult responses

• May feel overwhelmed by emotions and unable to discuss with families

• Peers’ opinions extremely significant

Adolescent Grief• Exaggeration of natural coping

mechanisms–Withdrawal– Aggression– Risk taking behaviors

Grieving African American YouthLimited researchOften “invisible”May be stigmatized due to

stereotypingConsider within group differences

while also keeping general possibilities in mind

Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST)

Multiple Connectedness“Thick” support

Disenfranchised youth tend to have more positive outcomes when connected to multiple systems

Systems also need to be connected to each other as well as the teen

Rashad

Church

Neighborhood

School

Strategies to Support Multiple Connectedness in AAY

• Start by adding connections based on the grieving youth’s needs and strengths (PVEST)– “snowball” connections may be more natural– Seek connections that are

culturally/contextually relevant• Provide education so that everyone is on

the same page about grief• Look for connections that support

positive identity development after loss (role models)

Brainstorm Time!

Contact me:Email: lauraswheat@gmail.com

Cell: 803-524-5020