Title: Parents, illness and bereavement: The experiences of adolescents
Abstract:
Background: Experiencing severe and progressive diseases can cause high levels of suffering, not only for patients but also for their families. Several studies have focused on the needs of family members facing the death of their loved one. Howevere, studies on the experiences of adolescents who have lost a parent, during their critical age of growth, are still marginal. In particular, the lived experience of nurses who lost a parent when they were teen, could provide deep unique insights on such kind of bereavement. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences of adolescents who lost a parent because of terminal illness.
Materials and methods: The study used a qualitative phenomenological design. In-depths one-to-one interviews were conducted with nurses who lost a parent during their adolescence.
Results: Six nurses participated. Five themes emerged from the analysis of data: (1) The difficult journey of disease; (2) The value of proximity; (3) Competence and sharing in support of mourning; (4) The time cures the loss; (5) Reflecting on own’s experience allows to better help others.
Conclusion: Results from this study agree with the literature to support the need for an open and sincere communication with adolescents, involving them as much as possible in assisting the dying parent. Family is identified as the main source of information and support for adolescents. Therefore healthcare professionals must support families to find the adequate resources to cope with the complex experiences of adolescents.
