Let’s ask the kids: doing ethical research with bereaved children

Background: The sibling relationship is described as one of the longest relationships a person can have. When a child has a sibling die from a life-threating condition, the impacts of this death will last a lifetime. Much of the available literature addresses issues of sibling bereavement through the lens of parents or professionals; missing is an understanding of the perspective of the bereaved child as they navigate their ongoing grief and loss. Ethical, reflexive, child- centred research with children who have had a sibling die from a life-threatening condition is critical. Involving children in research allows them to challenge assumptions regarding both the ability and capacity of children to participate in research; further, it acknowledges them as experts on issues impacting their own lives.

Details: This presentation will describe a practice-based, qualitative PhD research proposal designed to explore bereaved siblings’ perspectives of their own bereavement experiences. This project is a collaboration between University of Melbourne and Very Special Kids children’s hospice. Children 7-11 years bereaved a minimum of 2 years will be invited to participate in semi-structured child-friendly interviews. The lived experience told by bereaved siblings can inform and strengthen the fields of grief, loss and bereavement at both practice and policy levels.