Variables associated with grief and personal growth following the death of a child from cancer: A mixed method analysis

Death Stud. 2021;45(9):702-713. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1682087. Epub 2019 Oct 26.

Abstract

This mixed method study explored parent and child characteristics that impact grief and personal growth in parents (n = 119) after a child dies from cancer in Australia. Medical components of a child's cancer care including radiation treatment, referral to palliative care, and location of death had a significant impact on levels of grief. Parents' gender, religious affiliation, and education level had a significant impact on levels of personal growth. This study further enhances our understanding of the impact of specific parent and child characteristics throughout a child's cancer treatment and end of life that may influence their families' experience of bereavement.

MeSH terms

  • Bereavement*
  • Child
  • Grief
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms*
  • Palliative Care
  • Parents