The experience of losing One's own father in the pre-school years : a phenomenological study

Since 1996, hundreds of thousands of children under the age of 7 have experienced the death of a parent in South Africa. Whilst this loss is considered to pose a risk for future development, the existing studies lack clarity as to how this experience acts upon the adult throughout life. To this end, this inquiry attempts to capture an in-depth understanding of this experience and stimulate awareness regarding the needs of bereaved children. Through a phenomenological approach this investigation focuses specifically on the personal experience of several adults who have experienced the death of a father during their pre-school years. An aspect of the inquiry explores the perceived role the father would have played in the context of their ongoing lives. Eight core themes are derived which reflect the perceptions of this loss. The value of a phenomenological approach with relevance to the study of early bereavement is illumunitated. Some limitations of this study are recognized and suggestions for future research are proposed. Based on the insights gleaned through this study, implications are brought to the fore that pertain to the general experience of early parental bereavement.

Author dc:creator

• Ferrer, Lynne

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Edwards, S.D.

• Parents--Death--Psychological aspects
• Children--Death--Psychological aspects
• Bereavement in children
• Parent and child

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/e14f29da-9397-4111-a314-6814131acc99/download