Review of Should the children know? Encounters with death in the lives of children and The private worlds of dying children Journal Article
| Author: | Adams, Margaret A. |
| Article Title: | Review of Should the children know? Encounters with death in the lives of children and The private worlds of dying children |
| Abstract: | Reviews the books, Should the Children Know? Encounters with Death in the Lives of Children by Marguerita Rudolph (see record 1979-20712-000) and The Private Worlds of Dying Children by Myra Bluebond-langner (1978). Rudolph's book contains many anecdotes that enhance and enliven the author's points. Her inclusion of other relevant work in this field is comprehensive, but the book is not over-burdened with references. In an excellent section, Rudolph discussed the theme of death in children's literature; the books cited here would be valuable tools for adults to use in talking about death with children. Myra Bluebond-Langner wrote from her experience as an anthropologist doing her dissertation research on childhood socialization and self-concept. She clearly established that dying children know that they are dying without being told and that they conceal this knowledge from their parents and the hospital staff. In her conclusion, Bluehond-Langner recommended that a policy be devised that will allow the children to maintain open awareness with those who can handle it, and maintain mutual pretense with those who cannot. It is clear that the children themselves already follow such a policy, but there are problems when the conflicting needs among them, their parents, and the staff are encountered. Bluebond-langner presented her research in a scholarly manner, and her use of previous research in this field is comprehensive and informative. Her point of view is dearly developed through the use of both clinical and theoretical material. Her sensitivity to the dilemma of patients, parents, and staff comes through, as does her ability to perceive the many levels of interaction among them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). |
| Keywords: | self concept; hospital staff; childhood socialization; child death; theoretical materials |
| Journal Title: | American Journal of Orthopsychiatry |
| Volume: | 49 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| ISSN: | 0002-9432 |
| Publisher: | American Orthopsychiatric Association, Inc. |
| Date Published: | 1979-01-01 |
| Start Page: | 175 |
| End Page: | 177 |
| Language: | English |
| ACCESSION: | Peer Reviewed Journal: 2013-42954-023 |
| DOI: | 10.1037/h0098869 |
| PROVIDER: | Ovid Technologies |
| PROVIDER: | psycinfo |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Source: PsycINFO |
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
Related MSK Work