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Reflections on Experiencing Parental Bereavement as a Young Person: A Retrospective Qualitative Study.
Chater, Angel Marie; Howlett, Neil; Shorter, Gillian W; Zakrzewski-Fruer, Julia K; Williams, Jane.
  • Chater AM; Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford MK41 9EA, UK.
  • Howlett N; Centre for Behavioural Medicine, University College London School of Pharmacy, London WC1H 9JP, UK.
  • Shorter GW; Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK.
  • Zakrzewski-Fruer JK; Centre for Improving Health Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK.
  • Williams J; Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford MK41 9EA, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 19(4)2022 02 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1686779
ABSTRACT

Background:

It is estimated that approximately 41,000 children and young people experience the death of a parent each year. Grief responses, such as anxiety and depression, can follow. This research investigated the adult reflections of experiencing parental death as a young person.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults (N = 14; female n = 8) who experienced parental death as a young person, which occurred over 5 years ago (time since death, M = 12.9 years; age at death, M = 16.4 years; age at interview, M = 30.9 years). The data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis.

Results:

Seven themes revealed that parental bereavement can lead to (1) "Distance and isolation" and is an (2) "Emotional journey" with (3) a "Physical impact". Many experienced (4) "Post-traumatic growth" but acknowledged that (5) "Life will never be the same", highlighting the importance of (6) "Support and understanding" and triggers for (7) "Re-grief".

Conclusions:

Parental bereavement has significant emotional and physical consequences, but can also lead to personal growth. Talking therapies were rarely accessed, often due to a lack of awareness or desire to engage, revealing a translational gap between existing support services and uptake. Enabling open conversations about grief and identifying suitable support is a public health priority. This need has been amplified since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be a trigger for grief empathy and re-grief in those who have already been bereaved.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Bereavement / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Child / Female / Humans / Male Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ijerph19042083

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Bereavement / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Child / Female / Humans / Male Language: English Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Ijerph19042083