Life after loss: long-term impact of parental death during childhood

Abstract

The death of a parent during childhood is an impactful event, with large implications throughout the child’s life. The current dissertation aimed to provide insight into the long-term impact after the death of a parent during childhood (CPD) and into potential risk and protective factors. We investigated this by using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Participants were adults who lost one of their biological parents during childhood (between 4-17 years) and two comparison groups of adults who did not lose their parent (during childhood).This dissertation shows how adults who experienced CPD reported similar levels regarding most health, relational, and parenting outcomes as adults who did not experience CPD. However, the loss may be related to anxious feelings of losing another important person in one’s life. Additionally, interviews with participants showed how specific days/moments, certain non-sensitive responses, or a lack of attention or support may trigger or intensify grief. Findings show how children’s coping and adaptation after the loss may be either complicated or facilitated by factors related to the family and social environment. Psychoeducation on the impact of CPD may help to provide tailored support for children who lost their parent.