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.
Early Parental Adjustment and Bereavement After Childhood Cancer Death
Authors:
Barrera, Maru
O'Connor, Kathleen
D'Agostino, Norma Mammone
Spencer, Lynlee
Nicholas, David
Jovcevska, Vesna
Tallet, Susan
Schneiderman, Gerald
Source:
Death Studies: 2009, 33(6), pp. 497-520.
Summary
This article summarizes the results of a qualitative study designed to investigate the bereavement and adjustment of parents during the 6 months following the death of a child due to cancer. The researchers interviewed 18 mothers and 13 fathers and identified three key concepts relating to parental bereavement and adjustment: (a) perceptions of the deceased child, (b) the self in relationship with others, and (c) the self in the context of an altered worldview. The authors concluded that most parents had adapted well following the death of their child, with those who were able to accept the reality of the physical loss while establishing a spiritual bond with the deceased child showing the most positive adjustment. The authors also found that parents were better adjusted at 6 months post-loss when they had positive relationships with partners and surviving children, and a strong social network. In addition, parents who were able to find meaning in the death of their child and a new purpose in life following the death showed better adjustment than those who struggled with redefining their identity.
Key Words: parent, accept, bond, child, spiritual, mother, father, worldview, social partner, adjustment, interview, identity
Service Provider Implications
This article implies that service providers can assist bereaved parents in adjusting to the death of a child due to cancer by helping them establish continuing bonds with the deceased child, by helping them strengthen their relationships with others, and by helping them find a new purpose and identity that incorporates the loss.
