Grieving the loss of a child in times of COVID-19.

Author(s):  
An Hooghe ◽  
Anje Claeys ◽  
Barbara Thompson ◽  
Robert A. Neimeyer ◽  
Peter Rober
Keyword(s):  
2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel J. Rigby ◽  
Jenny Pak ◽  
J. W. Worden ◽  
Betty Davies

2021 ◽  
pp. 67-81
Author(s):  
E. V. Golovenkina ◽  

This paper focuses on the role of the poetics of mystery in the formation of the romantic trag-edy genre. “The Spaniards” by Mikhail Lermontov is considered as a characteristic example of this genre, manifesting “melodramatization” of tragedy and tendency towards genre-generic synthesis. The action of “The Spaniards” is based on events related to the sphere of the mysterious, which are exceptional in life and common in melodrama. Central to the plot is the motif of the loss of a child. The secret of Fernando’s birth and “ignobility” form the con-flict and organize two storylines (love and family) and two (everyday life – melodramatic, and existential – tragic) levels of conflict. Mystery also plays an important role in revealing the inner world and expressing the romantic ideal of the hero. The ability to comprehend the mysterious, to pass beyond human experience and logic is not only the motivation of his ac-tions, but it also connects the hero with the ideal sphere. The study examines how the charac-ters’ anticipation of the “terrible” motivates their moral choices. Analyzing the interaction of lyrical motifs, the author suggests the motif of mystery as important for implementing the main (tragic) conflict, unlike melodrama, where the functions of mystery are plot-forming, stimulating the spectator’s interest and maximizing the dramatic tension. Mystery in the plot and the lyrical concept of the tragedy contributes to the understanding of the essence of the romantic conflict, has a suggestive impact on the audience, and deepens the psychologism.


1989 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliott J. Rosen

This paper presents a treatment method in cases where grieving for the death of a child extends beyond normal parameters. The symptoms of interminable grief are likely to continue unless there is direct, and often dramatic intervention. Guidelines for clinical assessment are presented, with particular emphasis upon the investigation of family history in which an early, unresolved death may have occurred. This approach integrates grief work with the individual into a family therapy framework and reflects the notion that grieving, even if identified in one person, is a family affair. Criteria for the inclusion of family members in treatment are considered, the stresses upon the therapist are addressed, a course of treatment is outlined, and two representative cases are presented.


2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1431-1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
ULRIKA KREICBERGS ◽  
UNNUR VALDIMARSDÓTTIR ◽  
ERIK ONELÖV ◽  
JAN-INGE HENTER ◽  
GUNNAR STEINECK

Background. Some consider the loss of a child as the most stressful life event. When the death is caused by a malignancy, the parents are commonly exposed not only to their own loss, but also to the protracted physical and emotional suffering of the child. We investigated parental risk of anxiety and depression 4–9 years after the loss of a child owing to a malignancy.Method. In 2001, we attempted to contact all parents in Sweden who had lost a child due to a malignancy during 1992–1997. We used an anonymous postal questionnaire and utilized a control group of non-bereaved parents with a living child.Results. Participation among bereaved parents was 449/561 (80%); among non-bereaved 457/659 (69%). We found an increased risk of anxiety (relative risk 1·5, 95% confidence interval 1·1–1·9) and depression (relative risk 1·4, 95% confidence interval 1·1–1·7) among bereaved parents compared with non-bereaved. The risk of anxiety and depression was higher in the period 4–6 years after bereavement than in the 7–9 years period, during which the average excess risks approached zero. Psychological distress was overall higher among bereaved mothers and loss of a child aged 9 years or older implied an increased risk, particularly for fathers.Conclusions. Psychological morbidity in bereaved parents decreases to levels similar to those among non-bereaved parents 7–9 years after the loss. Bereaved mothers and parents who lose a child 9 years or older have on average an excess risk for long-term psychological distress.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-345
Author(s):  
Steven L. Baumann ◽  
Martha Velasco-Whetsell

This paper tells the story of a mother’s loss of her 10-year-old daughter from cancer. It is in part a pain and suffering narrative and a story of remarkable post-loss growth and transformation. It is a story told for busy parents and multitasking nurses, to all of us who need to relearn how to be attentive to others, particularly our children. The woman who tells the story is one of the authors (M.V.-W.); she is a Mexican-American. The paper is based on two interviews of M.V.-W., using questions similar to those used by one of the authors (S.L.B.) with his study of fathers and sibling. Following the interviews is a brief discussion on the loss of a child from a humanbecoming perspective, with a few comments on the immigration of nurses.


2015 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atle Dyregrov ◽  
Kari Dyregrov

It is known that if one partner wants to talk after the loss of a child, while the other does not, the less satisfied they are with the relationship. The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of parental relationships following the loss of a child. A questionnaire on various aspects of the relationship was sent to 1,027 members of bereavement support organizations for parents who have lost children in Norway. The studied sample ( N = 285) consisted of 169 women (59.3%) and 116 men (40.7%), representing 175 couples. Although the participants were generally satisfied with their relationship and felt that it was strengthened, there were challenges of communication and interaction. The loss made the relationship special, and they felt they had learned to know each other on a deeper level. The importance of talking together and communicating thoughts and feelings was emphasized by the parents. Women initiated talk more often and evidenced a greater need to talk. A deterioration of the relationship tended to be related to a lack of understanding, communication, and care. Communication, respect, and understanding were underlined as core factors for perceiving a relationship as positive.


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