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Elders' experiences of the death of an adult child.

Authors :
Smith ME
Nunley BL
Kerr PL
Galligan H
Source :
Issues in mental health nursing [Issues Ment Health Nurs] 2011; Vol. 32 (9), pp. 568-74.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

The death of a child can result in complicated grief. Thirty-one adults, 60 years of age or older, who lost an adult child, participated in a qualitative study using a focus group format that allowed them to discuss their experience. A hermeneutical approach was used to develop an overall thematic description of what it meant to an older person to lose an adult child. Four major themes emerged: losses, limited influence/decision making power, regrets, and decreased quality of life. Suggested interventions to prevent complicated grief in elders who experienced the death of an adult child include attentive listening, storytelling, and the use of metaphors.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1096-4673
Volume :
32
Issue :
9
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Issues in mental health nursing
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21859407
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2011.576802