Problem:
Give a peer response to this discussion post: Joshua's Developmental Stage and Perception of Death Joshua is 5 years old and is in Piaget's preoperational stage of development. Children at this age often do not fully understand that death is permanent. They may believe death is temporary or think they somehow caused their illness. I still remember thinking I made my younger brother sick when I was about this age several years ago. He later died from a sickle cell crisis, but for a long time, I blamed myself for one of his health crises. In Joshua's case, his withdrawal, irritability, frequent crying, and loss of interest in play are consistent with anticipatory grief and emotional distress following a terminal diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). When providing grief therapy, I would encourage Joshua's parents to use honest, age-appropriate language and avoid euphemisms such as "going to sleep." I would reassure Joshua that he did not cause his illness and encourage him to express his feelings through play, drawing, or storytelling. I would also encourage his parents to answer his questions honestly while providing reassurance and emotional support. Developmental Milestones and Grief Resource for Sally I selected Sally, who is 7 years old. At this age, children are becoming more independent, developing stronger friendships, improving problem-solving skills, and beginning to understand that death is permanent. Even with this understanding, Sally may experience sadness, anxiety, guilt, or fear about losing her brother or other family members. Need Assignment Help?