| The purpose of this study was to examine the grief experiences of bereaved parents and to identify the various coping mechanisms bereaved parents utilized. The sample included 10 mothers who had lost a child. Interviews were used to understand the mothers' experiences.; All participants experienced intense grief reactions, including shock, denial, and initial numbness. Half reported that responses from family and friends were supportive and half reported that responses were unsupportive. Participants used several coping mechanisms, including support of family and friends, support groups, counseling, religious activities, and altruistic behaviors. Most bereaved parents used spirituality and religious beliefs as a protective factor. Participants also reported many ways in which they remembered and memorialized their deceased child. Among married participants, all reported that their spouses supported them during their grief process. An implication is that social workers need to play an active role in supporting bereaved parents in their grief work. |
