What do surviving children wish for from a dying parent? A qualitative exploration. Issue 5 (3rd May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muriel, Anna C.; Moore, Cynthia W.; Beiser, Marguerite; Park, Elyse R.; Lim, Christopher T.; Rauch, Paula
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 44:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2020-05-03
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1554608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: Legacy may play an important role in how children integrate the loss of a parent. Sixteen adults (19–40 years old, 69% women) who experienced the death of a parent from an illness before age 12 were interviewed, exploring legacies from their deceased parent. Transcribed interviews were iteratively analyzed by three independent coders. Extracted themes described their experiences and wish for remembrances and specific communication left for them, information about the parent's values and feelings about them, and personal possessions. This study provides novel data about legacies that bereaved children wish for in adulthood.