Title:

Physical manifestations of continuing bonds with a deceased child. Qualitative research

Author:

Jurek, Joanna

Subject:

parental grief ; continuing bonds theory ; physical manifestations of bonds

Abstract:

Death of a child can be seen as one of the most devastating experiences for parents. It can result in a unique and prolonged grief. Numerous scientific studies highlight the importance of maintaining bonds with the deceased child in adaptive coping with loss. The aim of the study was to determine how bereaved parents maintain contact with their deceased child and how it affects their coping with loss in the first year of grief. In particular, the purpose of the study was to analyze the physical manifestations of bond continuing. The study involved 15 fathers and 19 mothers who had lost their child in period of 1 to 4 years prior to the study. The methodology of grounded theory has been used to analyze and process the data. Results: Physical manifestations of continuing bond with the deceased child occur in a dynamic oscillation between seeking contact with the deceased child and an attempt to block out or reduce unpleasant thoughts and feelings related to the child’s loss. Parents show both externalized and internalized continuing bonds expressions. Some physical manifestations of continuing bond for instance experiencing the sensual presence of a deceased child, are only temporary. Externalizing types of continuing bonds expression are the most characteristic in the first year.

Place of publishing:

Kraków

Level of degree:

2 - studia doktoranckie

Degree discipline:

psychiatria

Degree grantor:

Rada Dyscypliny Nauki o zdrowiu

Promoter:

Józefik, Barbara ; Janusz, Bernadetta

Date:

2021

Date issued:

2020

Type:

Praca doktorska

Call number:

ZB-132590

Language:

pol; eng

Access rights:

nieograniczony