Becoming a parent once again: a constructivist grounded theory based on psychoanalytic conversations about emotional experiences of life as a parent following a loss of a child.

The loss of a child is a tragic event that has a lasting impact on parents. It is also very common. While a growing body of research exists that investigates the clinical consequences of such loss, the ongoing, everyday experience of well-functioning parents with no gravely worrying clinical presentations often remain hidden. Yet, as social beings we know—through our personal experience, through interactions with and observations of others, and through exposure to popular media that unspoken or unacknowledged experiences of significant events can profoundly and complexly shape our lives and relationships. This underscores the need to investigate the inner, often veiled experiences of bereaved parents, as doing so may broaden our understanding of the impact of child loss and inform how support can be offered in wider contexts. The primary aim of this research was to explore emotional experiences of parents who have lost a child and subsequently gone on to parent another. To achieve this, a Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) study was undertaken. Seven parents volunteered to participate in this collaborative and co-creative investigation. Data were gathered using psychoanalytically informed intensive interviews where participants shared their own stories about what it had been like for them, what had been the strongest, most significant feelings held, and what emotions they continued to experience as they continued their lives as parents. Analysis following CGT procedures identified four conceptual categories: Changed forever, Unanswered questions, unsatisfying answers, Keeping a secret life/ keeping life a secret and Looking for, yet keeping away from intimacy. Together, these categories informed the overarching grounded theory: Reconciling identities. Through its psychoanalytic lens and constructivist outlook, the research illuminated the subtle and complex negotiations the participants navigate daily between their outward expressions and internal voices. To better meet the needs of these parents, a greater awareness of both their public and private experiences is essential. The research highlights the importance of such understanding and points to potential avenues for applying its findings in clinical, political, academic and societal contexts.

Author dc:creator

• Kobatake, Kyoko

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• G. Spolander

• Parental bereavement
• Child loss
• Subsequent parenting
• Emotional experience
• Identity reconstruction
• Constructivist grounded theory (CGT)

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:3475992
https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-3475992

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:3475992