Children and loss : a descriptive-exploratory study of bereaved children's experience of loss following the death of a significant adult
Date
2008-04-10T06:02:51Z
Authors
Whiteman, Allyson Dawn
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Abstract
This qualitative study describes the meaning of the experience of loss for four
child participants following the death of a grandparent. Using both descriptiveexploratory
methodology and human becoming theory as the framework, the findings are
presented in three themes. Related to meaning of the experience of loss, the theme in the
children's language is, sadness deepens with awareness of the permanence of death.
Related to how relationships unfold following the loss of a grandparent the theme is, time
spent doing things and with others provides memories. The final theme is related to hopes
and desires the children had following the death of their grandparent, that theme is wishes
to undo the past mingle with ongoing relating with one who has died. Practice
implications and directions for further research are discussed in light of study findings.