| Title: |
A Compassionate Behavioral Approach to Addressing Grief. |
| Authors: |
Mathieu, Reva1 (AUTHOR); Spiker, Shane2 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
Communiqué (0164-775X). May2026, Vol. 54 Issue 7, p12-16. 5p. |
| Subject Terms: |
Grief; Acceptance & commitment therapy; Special needs students; Mindfulness; Self-compassion; Human behavior models; Adaptability (Personality); School psychology |
| Abstract: |
This article focuses on understanding and supporting student grief in educational settings through a behavioral perspective and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr). It frames grief as a set of observable, learned behaviors shaped by context and environmental contingencies, rather than as pathological symptoms or fixed stages. ACTr, a nonclinical approach derived from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), offers practical strategies to enhance psychological flexibility, helping students accept grief-related emotions, reconnect with personal values, practice self-compassionate mindfulness, and cognitively diffuse distressing thoughts. School psychologists and educators can use these strategies to create compassionate, psychologically safe environments that support grieving students’ ongoing engagement in learning and relationships without attempting to "fix" grief. [Extracted from the article] |
| Database: |
Supplemental Index |