Using a storytelling intervention in schools to explore death, dying, and loss
Journal of Public Mental Health
ISSN: 1746-5729
Article publication date: 11 August 2020
Issue publication date: 28 September 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Experiencing bereavement in childhood can cause profound changes to developmental trajectories. This paper aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a public health intervention in schools to encourage pupils aged 12-15 years to independently explore ideas of death, dying, loss and end of life care in a structured and creative format.
Design/methodology/approach
A co-produced storytelling intervention was implemented in an independent school in Norwich, UK. Pupils wrote up to 1,000 words in response to the title, “I Wish We’d Spoken Earlier”. Their participation was voluntary and extra-curricular. Stakeholder feedback was used in addition to the submissions as a measure of acceptability, appropriateness, adoption and feasibility.
Findings
In total, 24 entries were submitted. Pupils demonstrated their ability to engage thoughtfully and creatively with the subject matter. Feasibility for the storytelling intervention was demonstrated. Importantly, the intervention also prompted family conversations around preferences and wishes for end of life care.
Research limitations/implications
To determine whether the intervention has psychological and social benefits will require further study.
Practical implications
Educational settings can be considered as anchor institutions to support a public health approach to end of life care.
Originality/value
The positive response from all stakeholders in delivering and supporting the intervention indicates that schools are a community asset that could be further empowered to support children and families affected by death, dying and loss.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Suzannah Holford, Jane Shuttler, Sir Richard Jewson, Sue Spooner, Richard Hand, and the teachers and parents at Norwich School for supporting the project.Funding: Author one and two were supported with funding received from the Eastern Academic Health Science Network (EAHSN), UK. The views expressed are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the EAHSN.The corresponding author was supported by the UK National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration East of England (ARC EoE) programme. The views expressed are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the NIHR, NHS or Department of Health and Social Care.
Citation
Blake, J., Bayliss, A., Callow, B., Futter, G., Harikrishnan, N. and Peryer, G. (2020), "Using a storytelling intervention in schools to explore death, dying, and loss", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 203-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-04-2020-0030
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited