REFLECTIONS OF YOUNG ADULTS ON THE LOSS OF A PARENT IN ADOLESCENCE

  • Eva Apelian Montclair State University
  • Olena Nesteruk Montclair State University
Keywords: parentally bereaved, adolescents, coping, grief, qualitative, family stress

Abstract

This study explores the reflections of young adults on the experience of parental loss in adolescence. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling and personal connections from Montreal and New Jersey. Personal interviews based on in-depth, open-ended questions were used to examine how parentally bereaved children and their families were affected in the short term and into early adulthood. The use of resources, coping strategies helpful to the participants, and adaptation to the death were also explored. The findings of the study are discussed through the lens of the Double ABC-X model of family stress and adaptation. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) pile-up of stressors aggravates grieving; (b) benefits of social support; (c) coping strategies used by the participants; (d) adaptation to the loss of a parent — personal growth and maturation. Implications for future research and practitioners working with this population are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Eva Apelian, Montclair State University
Graduate, Department of Family Science and Human Development
Olena Nesteruk, Montclair State University
Associate Professor, Department of Family Science and Human Development
Published
2017-12-22
How to Cite
Apelian, E., & Nesteruk, O. (2017). REFLECTIONS OF YOUNG ADULTS ON THE LOSS OF A PARENT IN ADOLESCENCE. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 8(3/4), 79-100. https://doi.org/10.18357/ijcyfs83/4201718002
Section
Articles