The effect of nursing care based on human caring theory on posttraumatic growth in parentally bereaved adolescents: Action research

Objective: The aim of this study to evaluate the effect of nursing care based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring, given to parentally bereaved adolescents on posttraumatic growth. Method: This study is participatory action research, a qualitative research method, based on radical humanist paradigm. The study was carried out with four participants through online interviews. In the study, pre- and post-action data were obtained through individual interviews and scales (Mourning Scale, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory). During the action process, nursing care based on Theory of Human Caring was provided to the participants individually through the Omaha System in line with these data. Interventions were implemented in the categories of Teaching, Guidance and Counseling, Surveillance, and Case Management. Pre-action and post-action qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis method. In quantitative data, scale total and sub-scores were given. Results: During the action, it was determined at Omaha System that the participants mostly experienced grief and mental health problems. In the pre-action interview, the participants stated that they experienced various difficulties regarding the grief process. They stated that with these changes, they coped with distraction and social support. In the post-action interview, the participants stated that the meaning of parental loss, its effects on life, and their ability to cope with loss changed and they experienced positive changes. In addition, when the scale scores of the participants' pre- and post-action were compared, it was found that the Mourning Scale scores decreased, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory scores increased. Conclusion: The result of this study shows that nursing care based on Theory of Human Caring reduces the grief symptoms and contributes to post-traumatic growth in parentally bereaved adolescents. In this context, it is recommended to use nursing care based on Theory of Human Caring as one of the intervention methods in adolescents with parental loss.