Variables associated with grief and personal growth following the death of a child from cancer: A mixed method analysis. Issue 9 (21st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donovan, Leigh A.; Wakefield, Claire E.; Russell, Vera; Fardell, Joanna; Mallitt, Kylie-Ann; Hetherington, Kate; Cohn, Richard
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 45:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 702
• Page End: 713
• Publication Date: 2021-10-21
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1682087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: This mixed method study explored parent and child characteristics that impact grief and personal growth in parents ( n = 119) after a child dies from cancer in Australia. Medical components of a child's cancer care including radiation treatment, referral to palliative care, and location of death had a significant impact on levels of grief. Parents' gender, religious affiliation, and education level had a significant impact on levels of personal growth. This study further enhances our understanding of the impact of specific parent and child characteristics throughout a child's cancer treatment and end of life that may influence their families' experience of bereavement.