A phenomenological study on bereavement : experiencing the loss of a parent during adolescence

Abstract

The study focuses on the psychosocial experiences of adults who experienced parental death during adolescence. The research objectives of this study were to explore the various psychosocial factors associated with the experience of parental loss during adolescence and to gain insights into the long-term effect (if any) of adolescent bereavement on adulthood. In this respect, these aims were addressed through the utilisation of a qualitative design namely Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as such research approach allowed for a detailed exploration of the phenomena under study. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were held with a purposive sample of six participants which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. From these findings, five important themes emerged namely: A Kaleidoscope of Feelings, Relationships, Challenges following Parental Loss, The Role of Professionals and Beneficial Aspects. The themes were subsequently examined and interpreted in light of the current research and in relation to the theoretical frameworks of this study. The above themes uncovered various psycho-social factors and corresponding implications related with parental bereavement that persist throughout adulthood. The insights revealed in this dissertation are intended to heighten awareness on adolescent bereavement and translate the latter into positive therapeutic experiences. On the basis of the researcher’s findings, recommendations and suggestions are put forward to augment the openness and readiness to counselling which will in turn help adolescents process grief in a more meaningful and psychologically safer environment.