The National Archive of Grief Support Studies
The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.
The Influence of Maternal Loss on Young Women’s Experience of Identity Development in Emerging Adulthood
Authors:
Schultz, Laura
Source:
Death Studies: 2007. Volume 31, pp. 17-43.
Summary
The article summarizes the results of a qualitative study to explore the influence of maternal loss on the identity development of 6 young women, aged 18 – 25 years old. A short series of in-depth, semi-structured interviews was conducted and analyzed for common themes. One key theme was that maternal loss had a significant impact on a young woman’s self-identity. All of the participants also reported that the loss of a mother was felt throughout their lives. Participants reported seeking care from older women and connections with others in order to fill the emotional void left by the maternal loss. An interesting comment from the author is that the findings of this study appear to contradict a dominant aspect of existing grief theory, i.e., that bereaved individuals need to withdraw emotional energy from the deceased and reinvest it other relationships or roles. The author of this article suggests it is helpful for the bereaved to maintain some connection with the deceased in order to integrate the loss into a new emerging identity.
Key words: development, identity, mother, women
Service Provider Implications
This article offers service providers insight into the bereavement process of young women who have experienced maternal loss during the developmental stage of identity formation. This information may help increase professional awareness and sensitivity and inform treatment interventions.
