Abstract
Purpose. This study explores parental grief on the death of a child of any age. Study design. The sampling frame for the study consisted of 74 respondents reporting that they experienced the death of a living child. With the exception of standard demographic measures, the quantitative and qualitative items in the instrument were designed specifically for this project. The content validity of the instrument was assessed by a panel of experts on grief. Key quantitative items related to child loss and grief were formatted with between three- and five-point ordinal answer categories. Two types of qualitative items were developed by the authors. The reliability of the instrument designed for this study was not determined. Results. This survey of parents who experienced the death of a child during their lifetime explores and extends current understanding of the complex emotional response of grief. The study offers empirical support for the notion of grief as ongoing in the life of a parent whose child had died. The findings have significant implications for further clinical research supporting studies to explore commonalities in the experience of grieving families regardless of the cause of and time since the death of their child. In addition, the findings may serve to inform the development and provision of services for bereaved parents.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 245-255 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Archives of Psychiatric Nursing |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We are profoundly grateful to the following organizations for their support in funding the development of the Grief Over a Lifetime Instrument: Lucie S. Kelly Research Award Grant, Alpha Zeta Chapter of Columbia University, Sigma Theta Tau International (2000); Frances G. Crane Research Grant, Foundation of the New York State Nurses Association (2000); Nursing Research Grant, Columbia University–Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association (1998); Faculty Fund, The College of New Rochelle (1996–1997; 1999–2000). We also thank the Columbia University–Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association for providing access to the alumni who so graciously participated in this study. Our gratitude goes to Kimary Kulig, PhD, and Curt Malloy, MPH, for assisting with the computer-based analysis.
Funding
We are profoundly grateful to the following organizations for their support in funding the development of the Grief Over a Lifetime Instrument: Lucie S. Kelly Research Award Grant, Alpha Zeta Chapter of Columbia University, Sigma Theta Tau International (2000); Frances G. Crane Research Grant, Foundation of the New York State Nurses Association (2000); Nursing Research Grant, Columbia University–Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association (1998); Faculty Fund, The College of New Rochelle (1996–1997; 1999–2000). We also thank the Columbia University–Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association for providing access to the alumni who so graciously participated in this study. Our gratitude goes to Kimary Kulig, PhD, and Curt Malloy, MPH, for assisting with the computer-based analysis.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| College of New Rochelle | |
| Columbia University–Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Phychiatric Mental Health
