How Does Childhood and Adolescent Grief Impact Academic Performance and Behavior?
This exploratory study examined the phenomenon of the effect of grief on school academic performance and behavior. Qualitative methods, interviews, discussions and surveys were used to conduct phenomenological inquiry into this important life experience. With regards to qualitative research, sixty teachers from three schools in Georgia, particularly in the cities of Savannah and Midway were surveyed regarding their observations of student behavior and academic performance when coping with a loss. Savannah is an urban area while Midway is more rural territory. the teachers provided complete data sets on 100 students who had suffered the loss of a loved one during their school careers. the surveys also provided information regarding the grade-level of the students, their academic and behavioral performance prior to and after the loss, and the teachers' general assessments of students' reactions to grief. According to the participants, academic records of middle school students in public schools in Savannah and Midway, Georgia, when reviewed after the death of a loved one, showed a decline when compared with academic performance prior to the death of a loved one. Variables that affected academic and/or behavioral performance include closeness of the deceased to the student, length of student absence, inability to stay focused, and lack of emotional support. Teachers' academic expectations of grieving students varied from no change, to allowing extended time for missed assignments or excusing missed assignments altogether. Coupled with the teacher expectations of grieving students, peers also demonstrated a variety of reactions towards their classmates. Three common reactions were identified: sharing the loss, no change, and avoidance of discussing the loss. In addition to the teacher surveys, two parents were interviewed. Also, a dozen students who had experienced some type of personal loss participated in a roundtable discussion.