Death attitudes and life meaning in pediatric palliative care parents
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study aims to determine the relationship between death attitudes and meaning in life among parents who have a child in the terminal stage. This study was conducted with 61 parents of children in the terminal stage using a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Death Attitude Profile–Revised (DAP-R), and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). In the descriptive data analysis, the mean, standard deviation, percentage, maximum, and minimum values were used. The normality of numerical variables and scale scores was examined using kurtosis and skewness values. In the study, the Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the two scales across sociodemographic variables with two categories; the Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationship between the two scales; and the Kruskal–Wallis test was used for variables with three or more categories. In the study, the mean age of the parents was 37.73 (SD = 9.43); 63.9% were female, 95.1% were married, 25% had a high school education, and 25% had university or higher education. It was determined that 54.1% of the parents were not employed. When the relationship to the patient was examined, 60.7% of the parents were identified as the patient’s mother. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the total and subscale scores of the DAP-R and MLQ. While no statistically significant relationship was found between the total and subscale scores of the scales, a negative and weak correlation at the p = 0.05 level was observed only between the DAP-R fear of death and death avoidance subscales and the MLQ presence of meaning subscale. To determine the effect of variables such as gender, education level, employment status, who should provide information about death, and whether the child’s last wish was fulfilled on the MLQ Presence of Meaning subscale and the DAP-R total score, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using the Backward method. The established model was statistically significant (F = 4.15, p = 0.002). As fear and avoidance of death increase, existing meaning diminishes. During this challenging time, palliative care nurses must address the physiological, psychological, and sociological needs of terminally ill patients and their parents while also providing them with the necessary privacy. Not applicable.
Source: BMC Pediatrics
Authors: Nilüfer ERİM, Funda GÜMÜŞ
Institution: Dicle University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W7222987700
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