The loss of a parent is one of the most profound and intense life experiences, and it can be particularly traumatic in adolescence, because it occurs during a period of significant developmental processes. In the master's thesis, I explore the role of family relationships in the grieving process of adolescents and in life following the loss. The theoretical part discusses conceptual frameworks of understanding the grieving process, coping with bereavement within the family system, and in developmentally specific period of adolescence. In the empirical part, I examine how individuals experienced the death of a parent during adolescence and how they now reflect on its long-term impacts. I focus on the perceived role of the surviving parent, the meaning of the relationship with the deceased parent and the impact of loss on family dynamics, including its role in grieving, and on family's adaptation process. The qualitative research involved eight semi-structured interviews with young adults who had lost a parent during adolescence, mostly due to prolonged illness. I analyzed and interpreted the data using qualitative content analysis.
Findings of the study highlight the interplay of individual, relational and situational factors in the grieving process. Responses and coping were related to both the circumstances and subjective experiences of illness and loss, as well as to the relationships and the reactions of significant others. An important coping strategy was the oscillation between focusing on grief and redirecting attention toward everyday life. Most important protective factors included the ability and opportunity to openly express emotions, the availability of support and the quality of interpersonal relationships; especially with the surviving parent, whose emotional availability and stability played a crucial role in the adolescent’s grieving process and was also associated with the strengthening of their relationship. The importance of the relationship with the deceased parent emerged through the nature and content of the relationship, which influenced the intensity and difficulty of grieving. The continuation of the emotional bond and the experience of the deceased parent's ongoing role in the present appeared to have a positive effect on adaptation. The importance of relationships was also evident at the level of the family system: families with positive and secure relationships often became even more connected following the loss. Relational stability was also a key factor in healthy family adaptation. On the other hand, distant and dysfunctional relationships increased distress and hindered adjustment. Important elements of adaptation included the reorganization of family roles, support, open communication and creating a balance between connectedness and individuality. Participants perceive the loss as a life event that significantly shaped them. Predominant long-term effects of loss were expressed in a changed outlook on life, transformed values, and in the way of experiencing relationships. Loss can also leave emotional consequences, such as persistent sadness and anxiety, but most participants see it as an opportunity for growth, development and increased psychological resilience. Frequently reported outcomes included increased empathy, accelerated growing up, autonomy and a greater sense of maturity and responsibility. The research highlights the importance of understanding adolescent grief and emphasizes the central role of relationships. The findings may contribute to sensitive and supportive approaches in working with bereaved adolescents.
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