Grief--peer dynamics: understanding experiences with pediatric multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, and often debilitating disease of the central nervous system, for which there is no cure. This article provides insight into the experiences of adolescents with MS and the role of their peer relationships. Through the use of grounded theory, a preliminary theoretical model was developed for understanding the psychosocial experiences of these adolescents. Central to this framework is the interplay between the adolescents' grief and their peer relationships. Social, emotional, and cognitive manifestations of grief were expressed in response to the loss of health. Cyclical movements through grief and acceptance were demonstrated as the adolescents experienced a variety of secondary losses. Dynamic peer relationships either facilitated or impeded this process. Insight can be garnered from this study for further research and the development of multidisciplinary resources for this unique group of adolescents.