title: Changes in parental self-identity following the death of a child to cancer.
abstract: This study explored parental self-identity at 6, 12, and 18 months following the death of a child to cancer. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using qualitative methodology. Two patterns of parental self-identity emerged: identity reintegration, characterized by 6 associated themes (e.g., positive reframing, focusing on surviving children); and identity disintegration, characterized by 7 associated themes (e.g., negative perceptions of social support, self-destructive thoughts and behaviors). Patterns were stable from 6 to 12 months, but a shift towards identity disintegration was observed at 18 months. These findings suggest a need to support bereaved parents' well-being beyond the first year post-death.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Western Ontario , London , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Maru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barrera
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007062:Identification, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support