A Grounded Theory approach to grief processes of parents with sudden child loss

While it is well understood that each loss has varied repercussions, there is limited literature on the nature of sudden children loss. On that note, the purpose of this study is to gain a thorough understanding of the grief processes by exploring the perspectives, perceptions, and experiences of parents who have endured sudden children loss, and to identify the factors that make the post-loss process difficult and facilitating for bereaved parents. Data is collected using purposive sampling method from 7 participants, one of whom was a male between the ages of 18 and 65, who had suddenly lost their children at least one year ago and had no diagnosis of psychosis. The research data were obtained by using the Sociodemographic Information Form, Prolonged Grief Scale, and face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the Grounded Theory Methodology and MAXQDA24 software. Based on the findings, four main categories, namely 'the "new normal" after loss: between life and death', 'changes in relationship dynamics', 'internalizing the loss' and 'transformation of self-image', and a Grounded Theory with 'coping' as a moderating variable between these categories, were found to explain the grief process of parents who experienced sudden children loss. This research highlights that there are no specific rules regarding appropriate grief behaviors and offers a perspective to understand the grief processes of parents who have experienced sudden children loss in the Turkish sample. Keywords: Children loss, Sudden loss, Grief, Grounded theory