Losing a Grandchild: The Mourning Experience of Grandparents in Israel

Death Stud. 2015;39(8):491-9. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2014.970298. Epub 2015 Feb 13.

Abstract

The rise in life expectancy has placed grandparents at higher risk to experience losing a grandchild. The authors examined the ways grandparents experience the loss of a grandchild. Twelve grandparents were interviewed based on an interview guide and phenomenologically analyzed. Three main themes were found: the loss as a personal turning point; the significance of the ongoing relationships with the deceased; and the impact on one's beliefs and attitudes. The loss of a grandchild is characterized by a complex tension between two inter-related forces of distancing and becoming closer to the grandchild and his or her parent.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Attitude to Death
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Grandparents / psychology*
  • Grief*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Israel
  • Male