Work

Reconstructing Purpose: Parents’ Meaning in Life After Traumatic Child Loss

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The traumatic death of a child profoundly disrupts parents' lives, challenging their sense of meaning and purpose. Despite its significance in understanding parental grief, this topic remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how Finnish parents reconstruct life purpose and meaning following the loss of a child. Data were collected through an open-ended online questionnaire, distributed via grief support organizations in Finland, and in-depth telephone interviews. Sixty-six parents completed the questionnaire, and 17 (15 women and 2 men, aged 30-70 years) participated in interviews. The interview data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Parents described redefined life purposes that included living a meaningful everyday life, nurturing physical and mental well-being, building a purposeful life, utilizing experiential expertise, fostering family-centeredness, and processing grief. Their understanding of life's meaning encompassed shifts in worldview and values, renewed belief in the goodness of life, stronger emphasis on family and relationships, experiences of personal growth, spiritual transformation, and conversely a diminished sense of joy. These findings underscore that bereaved parents experience both constructive and adverse changes after a child's death. Tailored support is therefore essential to help parents navigate these complex transformations and safeguard their long-term well-being.

Source: OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying

DOI: 10.1177/00302228251407938

Authors: Heidi Markelin, Nur Atikah Mohamed Hussin, Anna Liisa Aho

Institutions: Tampere University, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Language: English

Topic: Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650