No event is as traumatic as the death of a child. Dr. Knapp has interviewed over 155 families who experienced such a loss to determine how they coped or failed to cope. This book presents the results of his research, shedding light on constructive measures for responding to the tragedy, and calling attention to the special needs of surviving family members.

Dr. Knapp examines three types of death: death occurring after a long illness, sudden or unexpected death, and death by murder.