Beyond the Innocence of Childhood: Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Life-Threatening Illness and Dying (Death, Value, and Meaning Series) [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

David W. Adams (Author, Editor), Eleanor J. Deveau (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Series: Death, Value, and Meaning Series | Publication Date: October 1995

Death is not a mere possibility but a certainty for all of us. Yet, today's society unrealistically portrays childhood as a time of unremittant joy and freedom. Unfortunately, the reality of life may suddenly bring children face to face with tragic circumstances such as the death of their pet, the terminal illness of their parent, their own struggle with life-threatening disease, the accidental death of their sibling, or the suicide of a friend. The gravity of any of these situations takes children beyond the innocence of childhood and plunges them into a world that is frightening and full of uncertainty. Unfortunately, our perceptions and attitudes toward death do not equip children with the tools to help them cope adequately with such overwhelming experiences.

Beyond the Innocence of Childhood is a collection of forty chapters which are divided into three separate volumes. The overall purpose of this series is to answer the question: How do we as educators, clinicians, other professionals, and parents help children and adolescents deal with threat to their lives, dying, death, and bereavement?

In this three volume set the editors have brought together a number of well-known educators, researchers, and practitioners who share their knowledge and expertise concerning the care and well-being of children and adolescents.

The first part of the second volume of Beyond the Innocence of Childhood focuses on the difficulties and challenges that children and adolescents must face as they try to cope with life-threatening illness or attempted suicide. Therapeutic techniques are explained and useful intervention strategies are offered to health care providers and other professionals. Highlights of this section include: The use of art; Storytelling; Music therapy; Therapeutic play; Benefits of humor and laughter; Pets as a source of empowerment; Camps as a therapeutic adjunct; Etiology and treatment of suicidal adolescents; Suffering imposed by life-threatening illness.

The second part of this volume directly addresses the world of dying children and families whose lives are permanently changed and filled with difficult emotions and formidable challenges. A comprehensive review of factors which influence the dying process and useful guidelines for intervention are provided for caregivers, other professionals, and parents. Features of this section include: Palliative care; Hospital care versus home care; Lessons from dying adolescents; Therapeutic imagery for pain control; Truthtelling; Influence of spirituality; Developing a children's hospice; Storytelling and reading resources.

This important new work is already considered to be the definitive reference resource in death education and grief counseling. Intended Audience: educators, researchers, clinicians, counselors, caregivers, and parents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"David Adams and Ellie Deveau have put together a wonderful series of articles in this three volume set dealing with the realities of children and adolescents facing death and bereavement. Based on their own extensive research and practical experience, as well as the voluminous contributions of many collaborators, they cover many of the most important issues and concerns facing children, parents, physicians, and social service staffs concerned with these issues. This three volume set is without doubt the most comprehensive and accessible compendium of material now available on the topics of children's views and experiences with death and dying." -- Mark A. Chesler, Professor of Sociology, University of Michigan, Research Consultant to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation

"In this work, David W. Adams and Ellie J. Deveau have contributed a most significant and important resource on children and death. They integrate well contemporary theory and clinical practice, providing an invaluable guide to educators, clinicians, and caregivers. In these three volumes, Adams and Deveau offer sensitive suggestions for assisting children struggling with a wide range of death-related experiences as well as children coping with their own grief or life-threatening illness." -- Kenneth J. Doka, College of New Rochelle

"In today's rapidly changing and complicated world, many children are brought face-to-face (sometimes precipitously) with the threats, ambiguities, and uncertainties associated with death, life-threatening illness, and bereavement. Increasingly parents and other adults need to rely on community specialists and others outside the family to guide them and their children as they struggle to cope with the stresses brought by these painful life circumstances. Adams and Deveau have brought together a wealth of information about the major death-related problems faced by children and adolescents today and the strategies adults can use to help young people respond favorably to the changes in their lives. These volumes are a valuable resource for anyone who works with children or adolescents." -- Jeanne Quint Benoliel, Professor Emeritus,School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

"We never talked about death when I was a child, so what am I supposed to tell my children? Many adults including educators, clinicians, and counselors find themselves in this situation. Here at last, is an expert and comprehensive guide to helping young people deal with the anxieties, losses, and mysteries associated with death. Never again need one feel unprepared to cope with the challenges that arise when the innocence of childhood is penetrated by the reality of death and loss." -- Robert Kastenbaum, Department of Communication, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona

Product Details

• Hardcover: 371 pages
• Publisher: Baywood Pub Co (October 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895031299
• ISBN-13: 978-0895031297
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,427,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)