Understanding grief in children who have lost a parent with cancer: How do they give meaning to this experience? Results of an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Death Stud. 2018 Sep;42(8):483-490. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1383951. Epub 2018 Jan 24.

Abstract

Though the adjustment of bereaved children is increasingly investigated through quantitative studies, their intimate representations regarding the loss of their parent remain unknown. This qualitative study aims at exploring how they give meaning to this experience. Nondirective interviews with bereaved children were conducted and submitted to an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Fourteen children (8 boys, 6 girls, mean age = 8.5 years) were recruited. Seven major themes depicting their grief experience were identified. The importance of the surviving parent is critically highlighted. Findings suggest that the remaining parent could become a fundamental actor in providing grief support for the bereaved children.

MeSH terms

  • Bereavement*
  • Child
  • Child, Orphaned / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Social Support*