Journal Article

What aspects of post-traumatic growth are experienced by bereaved parents? A systematic review

Slade, Pauline, Kiemle, Gundi, Waugh, Amy

2018

Overview

Background: The death of a child of any age can be traumatic and can leave bereaved parents experiencing negative psychological outcomes. Recent research has shown the potential utility for understanding more about the development of post-traumatic growth following bereavement. Objective: This paper sought to identify the aspects of post-traumatic growth experienced by bereaved parents and the factors that may be involved in facilitating or preventing post-traumatic growth. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles with a primary focus on positive personal growth in bereaved parents was conducted. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria, and were analysed and synthesized according to common and divergent themes. Results: Bereaved parents were able to experience elements of growth proposed by the post-traumatic growth model (changes in self-perception, relationships, new possibilities, appreciation of life and existential views). The papers also indicated that (1) mothers appeared to experience more growth than fathers, (2) cultural variation may impact on some participants' experience of growth, and (3) participants were able to identify growth only once some time had passed. Potential facilitators of post-traumatic growth involved making meaning, keeping ongoing bonds with the child, being with bereaved families, and family and personal characteristics. Social networks were identified as having the potential to be either a facilitator or a barrier to growth. Conclusions: In addition to experiencing grief, bereaved parents may experience aspects of post-traumatic growth, and a variety of factors have been identified as potential facilitators and barriers of these changes. The findings may have implications for support services (e.g. expert-by-experience services).

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis,Taylor & Francis Ltd,Taylor & Francis Group
• Subject: Basic / bereavement / Crecimiento personal / death of a child / duelo / Families & family life / fathers / Grief / Growth models / In addition to experiencing grief, bereaved parents may experience aspects of post-traumatic growth. Potential facilitators of post-traumatic growth involved making meaning, keeping ongoing bonds, being with bereaved families, and family and personal characteristics. It would appear that there are gender differences in the experience of growth, with women reporting more growth than men. The process of growth takes time to occur, and cultural variation may impact on how growth is experienced / madres / Mothers / muerte de un niño / padres / Parents & parenting / Personal development / Personal growth / Post traumatic stress disorder / Post-traumatic growth / Psychology / pérdida / Self image / Systematic review / 丧亲之痛 / 个人成长 / 儿童死亡 / 哀伤 / 母亲 / 父亲