Children's lived experiences of loss following the death of a pet: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

This study explores the lived experiences of loss among children aged 9 to 11 following the death of a pet. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven children who had experienced the death of a pet within the past year. Data were analyzed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, revealing six superordinate themes: From Meeting to Meaning, Facing Loss, More Than a Pet, Grief in Motion, Relational Dynamics of Grief, and Navigating Grief. The findings suggest that children's grief is holistically shaped by the entire process, from the first encounter with the pet to the period following their death. Pets were often portrayed as significant figures, such as friends, siblings, or companions. Many children experienced their loss as the loss of an irreplaceable part of their lives. Grief was expressed in varied ways and often shaped by the perceived emotional safety of the relational environment. Highlighting the psychological impact of pet loss in childhood, the results were discussed within the existing literature, with implications drawn for both clinical interventions and psychological support systems.