Grief in mothers after loss of a child in relation to time since loss, type of loss and other parenthood
Abstract
Losing a child is the most devastating experience that a mother can experience. The aim of this study was an analysis of factors associated with maternal grief after losing a child: time since loss, type of loss and parenthood. The data were analyzed through combination of quantitative and qualitative approach. A sample of 60 grieving mothers (M = 40,0; SD = 9,87) completed the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief and demographic characteristics questionnaire. The qualitative part of the research was realized by form of semi-structured interviews with 12 mothers aged from 28 to 55 years, focused on deeper understanding of the factors associated with mothers' grief. The data were analyzed through Consensual Qualitative Research. Grief in mothers after more than three years from the loss is lower. There were found no differences in grief of anticipated and sudden loss. Mothers with anticipated loss perceive sudden loss as more difficult, and conversely. Grief in mothers who lost their only child is higher than in mothers who have had another child in time of the loss. Mothers who lost the only child have found the meaning of life in caring about others.
(Fulltext in Slovak)
Keywords
grief, loss of a child, sudden loss, anticipated loss, parenthoodLiterature
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