Parenting after the death of a spouse

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2010 Dec;27(8):532-6. doi: 10.1177/1049909110366851. Epub 2010 Apr 28.

Abstract

The death of a spouse is a complicated experience in a family. Understanding the circumstances of the loss is part of the family's healing process. The current qualitative phenomenological study builds on the existing studies by focusing on the lived experience of parents as they transition to single parenthood. Six individuals participated in this study. Data analysis revealed 5 themes related to the change to single parenting after the loss of the spouse including the need to revision the parenting role and the role of support. The study has implications for the design of interventions and groups following the death of a spouse.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Grief
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Midwestern United States
  • Narration
  • Parenting*
  • Role
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Single Parent / psychology*
  • Social Support
  • Widowhood / psychology*