Culture as an Influencing Factor in Adolescent Grief and Bereavement

Culture is a complex and important consideration in the process of helping others. In clinical practice, we must view the individual within the context of their culture in order for assessment or treatment to be effective. Further, to overlook or negate culture, a practitioner may possibly operate from faulty cultural assumptions or unintentionally offend clients through disregard or insensitivity to their cherished values and beliefs.

This article will provide a brief review of the literature regarding the influence of culture on adolescent grief; introduce a valuable framework for understanding culture and its components; and then use a case illustration to provide practical guidelines for honoring cultural differences for grieving adolescents.