The parental role before and after SIDS. Issue 10 (26th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Plews-Ogan, Erin; Keywan, Christine; Morris, Sue E.; Goldstein, Richard D.
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 46:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 2316
• Page End: 2326
• Publication Date: 2022-11-26
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1936296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: Role confusion is a prominent constituent symptom of Prolonged Grief Disorder in parents after their infants die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We interviewed 31 parents of SIDS infants 2–5 years post-loss examining the parental role before death, at the time of loss, and in bereavement. Thematic analysis found disruption of the role and re-imagined responsibilities for their child's physical security, emotional security, and meaning. Tasks within these domains changed from concrete and apparent to representational and self-generated. Parents in bereavement locate ongoing, imperative parental responsibilities, particularly asserting their child's meaningful place in the world and in their family.