What’s the project?
This research project is about trying to better understand the types of experiences of children and young people who have been bereaved. It is normal to experience grief after someone close to us dies and we can all experience grief in different ways. There is often a lot of change in the first 6 months after a bereavement, so we are focusing our research on experiences after this initial acute phase . We anticipate that something children and young people might struggle with is feeling disconnected from their social network and so we want to understand this better. We hope that by gaining greater understanding, we will have a better idea of how to support children and young people who have been bereaved.
What’s the opportunity?
We think that listening to young people’s (and parents’) views and ideas will make our research better. We want to make sure the questionnaires we use make sense to children and young people who have experienced grief, across the age range 8–18, and for the resources we use to be useful, relevant and sensitive to the age group who will be participating in the research. We also would be grateful for young people’s and parent’s ideas on how best to spread the word about the study.
This would be a one-off video call (30–60 minutes) via Microsoft Teams with the researcher (Kate). We can organise this at a time that is convenient for you. We may send you some materials beforehand for us to look at during the meeting.
I recognise this is a sensitive and emotional topic and I am very grateful for your willingness to support the research. It is completely your choice to take part in this and you can change your mind at any point.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking children and young people (and their parents/ carers) who have been bereaved.
You must:
• Be aged 8–16.
• Have had experience of someone close to you dying in the last 3 years and be comfortable to talk about topics related to grief.
• Have access to a computer or tablet and internet connection for a video call.
• Must be based in the UK.
Reimbursement
Up to £20 for an hour (payment would be agreed with the PPI contributor and may depend on appropriateness for their age group)
Date required
Deadline for responses is 24 May 2024.
Organisation
University of Oxford, Department of Experimental Psychology, and Royal Holloway University, Department of Clinical Psychology
Contact
Kate Partridge: kate.partridge@psy.ox.ac.uk