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

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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
    Centre for Behavioural Medicine, University College London School of Pharmacy, London WC1H 9JP, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Angel Marie Chater & Neil Howlett & Gillian W. Shorter & Julia K. Zakrzewski-Fruer & Jane Williams, 2022. "Reflections on Experiencing Parental Bereavement as a Young Person: A Retrospective Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2083-:d:748229
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexandra Pitman & Khadija Rantell & Louise Marston & Michael King & David Osborn, 2017. "Perceived Stigma of Sudden Bereavement as a Risk Factor for Suicidal Thoughts and Suicide Attempt: Analysis of British Cross-Sectional Survey Data on 3387 Young Bereaved Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-12, March.
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