Reflections on Experiencing Parental Bereavement as a Young Person: A Retrospective Qualitative Study

Angel Marie Chater, Neil Howlett, Gillian W. Shorter, Julia K. Zakrzewski-Fruer and Jane Williams
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Angel Marie Chater: Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford MK41 9EA, UK
Neil Howlett: Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
Gillian W. Shorter: Centre for Improving Health Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
Julia K. Zakrzewski-Fruer: Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford MK41 9EA, UK
Jane Williams: Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford MK41 9EA, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 4, 1-19

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.

Keywords: bereavement; death; parent; young person; grief; emotion; post-traumatic growth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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