Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

Reflections on experiencing parental bereavement as a young person: a retrospective qualitative study

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well

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.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Article number

2083

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 2083

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (Volume 19, Issue 4)

Publication milestones

  • Accepted/In press - 10/02/2022
  • Published - 13/02/2022

Publication status

Published - 13/02/2022

ISSN

1661-7827

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/625330
  • Scopus: 85125192441

Access to documents

Publication metrics

Metrics

Download statistics
Download count
9

PlumX, opens in new tab

19
Social media
29
Captures
107