Abstract
Using a mixed method approach, this study explored the impact of attachment styles on the grief experience of parents and guardians of a child who has a hematological or oncological illness. The grief experience was evaluated through the lenses of Chronic Sorrow, Ambiguous Loss and Anticipatory Grief. This study was conducted at the Loma Linda University Medical Center Hematology Oncology Pediatric Clinic and was completed by 106 participants who responded to a quantitative survey with open-ended questions. An open-ended questionnaire regarding the impact of the child’s illness on the couple relationship was completed by six couples. The results indicated that experienced grief is significantly lower for parents or guardians with a Secure attachment style. The degree of grief experienced by parents could be predicted by whether or not the child was currently receiving treatment, whether the child was considered cured and the time elapsed since the diagnosis was given. Healthy and unhealthy coping skills were identified within the couple relationships, which provided richness to the understanding of the experience of parents and guardians with a child who has a life threatening illness.
LLU Discipline
Marriage and Family Therapy
Department
Counseling and Family Sciences
School
School of Science and Technology
First Advisor
Hernandez, Barbara C.
Second Advisor
Gober, Carla
Third Advisor
Moline, Mary
Fourth Advisor
Wilson, Colwick
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Year Degree Awarded
2011
Date (Title Page)
9-2011
Language
English
Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings
Parental grief; Parenting - Psychological aspects; Loss (Psychology); Chronic diseases in children; Caregivers - Psychology
Subject - Local
Attachment styles; Grief experience; Chronic Sorrow; Ambiguous Loss; Anticipatory Grief; Couples Relationships; Coping skills
Type
Dissertation
Page Count
201
Digital Format
Digital Publisher
Loma Linda University Libraries
Copyright
Author
Usage Rights
This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.
Recommended Citation
Ward, Avigail, "The Grief Experience of Caregivers When the Child Has a Life Threatening Illness" (2011). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 346.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/346
Collection
Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Collection Website
http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/
Repository
Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives