In adolescent bereavement, adolescents with high self-concept scores are likely to experience which outcome?

• A. More depression, fear, loneliness, and confusion
• B. No effect on mood
• C. Less depression, fear, loneliness, and confusion
• D. Increased anger and aggression

Answer: (C)

Having a strong sense of self acts as a resilience factor during adolescent bereavement. When youths feel confident in themselves and their abilities, they’re better at coping with loss, reaching out for support, and regulating their emotions. This helps reduce vulnerability to negative emotional outcomes, so those with higher self-concept scores tend to experience less depression, fear, loneliness, and confusion. While grief can bring up anger at times, the protective effect of a solid self-concept is best seen in calmer, less overwhelmed responses and more adaptive coping rather than worse mood or no change.