The article describes the psychosocial needs of young people who are close to a missing person. Using the concept of vague loss, the author describes the complex coping with the uncertainty inherent in the absence of a loved one.
In her doctoral thesis, Elizabeth Davis describes the psychosocial needs of young people (aged 12-24) who have lost a loved one. The author of the article uses the concept of vague loss to describe coping with the uncertainty inherent in the absence of a loved one, which entails emotional distress and confusion. The author notes that the support needs for each young person will be different depending on a variety of factors, including: their age, their relationship with the missing person, family dynamics, and the coping mechanisms they have at their disposal. The author emphasizes that psychosocial support for young people is necessary and important, and care should be taken to talk to young people about the situation, since secrets and silence are particularly confusing for children, and increase the risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. Although young people cannot be prepared to deal with vague loss, they can be provided with support, which can make it easier for them to cope by building resilience, finding meaning, and promoting hope. Support can take a variety of forms: formal support, informal support, and school support. Formal support is psychological support that can be individual, group, or family. Informal support is support that can take place in youth movements, community centers, etc. School support will generally be provided by school counselors.
The author argues that despite significant evidence supporting the importance of social support, many young people still report that they do not receive sufficient support, and that they feel misunderstood within the social systems that surround them. They often feel that certain details of information are being hidden from them, leaving them preoccupied with speculation and drawing conclusions that may sometimes be even worse than reality. The challenge for parents and caregivers is to find a balance between the need to protect young people, and the necessity to keep them involved and informed, in an age-appropriate manner. Parents may also naturally avoid having conversations about the issue for fear of making the situation more difficult, or because the parents are afraid that they themselves will be overwhelmed with emotions. However, avoiding conversations about the situation creates in the young person a feeling that the adults in his life are not available to him, or that they are excluding him from important information. In her article, Davis lists a variety of ways in which support can be provided to young people, including:
1. Creating a safe and supportive environment: Establishing a safe space where young people can talk freely about their feelings, thoughts and concerns, while ensuring confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information. It is important to instill a sense of acceptance and belonging without judgment. Teams working with these young people should be trained in appropriate therapeutic approaches, with a deep understanding of coping with ambiguous loss.
2. Age-appropriate information: Adapting information to the young person’s age and maturity level, using clear and understandable language, while avoiding complex technical terms. Providing up-to-date information on the progress of the investigation (if possible), and presenting different options regarding the fate of the missing person, while emphasizing the uncertainty, and preparing for possible scenarios (such as finding a body).
3. Developing coping mechanisms: Training in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga, learning strategies for dealing with anxiety, depression and other difficult emotions, and developing effective communication skills and the ability to express emotions in a healthy way. Also, encouraging physical activity and a healthy diet, and providing tools for time management and setting agendas.
4. Connecting to resources and support networks: Connecting the young person to psychological counseling services and individual or family therapy, referring them to government agencies and organizations that provide financial and emotional assistance, establishing contact with local communities and social support, and making information available about the rights of young people in this situation. Also, connecting the young person to support groups for young people experiencing a vague loss, or establishing an appropriate group.
source
Davies, E. A. (2020). Identifying and responding to the psychosocial support needs of young people when a loved one is a missing person (Doctoral dissertation, The Australian Catholic University).