How Do Children Think About Death? A Narrative Review of Historical and Recent Developmental Perspectives Examining Children’s Understanding of Death

Zachary D. Fry, Adrianna Mendrek, Lia Gieg, Terra Léger-Goodes, David Lefrançois, Jonathan Smith, Nathalie Maltais, Marie-Claude Geoffroy, Marc-André Éthier, Catherine Malboeuf-Hurtubise, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Department of Psychology, s University, Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Department of Education, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Department of Preschool and Primary Education, Université de Sherbrooke, Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Department of Didactics, Université de Montréal, School of Psychology, Université Laval

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Published online on March 04, 2026

Abstract

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundResearch has emphasized the importance of helping children develop understandings of death that are conceptually healthy accurate and emotionally supportive. Yet, open conversations about death remain stigmatized, particularly with children. ...