Variables associated with grief and personal growth following the death of a child from cancer: A mixed method analysis

• Published in: Death studies Vol. 45; no. 9; pp. 702 - 713
• Main Authors: Donovan, Leigh A., Wakefield, Claire E., Russell, Vera, Fardell, Joanna, Mallitt, Kylie-Ann, Hetherington, Kate, Cohn, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 21-10-2021; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Cancer; Grief; Health technology assessment; Mixed methods research; Personal development
• ISSN: 0748-1187; 1091-7683
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1682087

This mixed method study explored parent and child characteristics that impact grief and personal growth in parents (n = 119) after a child dies from cancer in Australia. Medical components of a child's cancer care including radiation treatment, referral to palliative care, and location of death had a significant impact on levels of grief. Parents' gender, religious affiliation, and education level had a significant impact on levels of personal growth. This study further enhances our understanding of the impact of specific parent and child characteristics throughout a child's cancer treatment and end of life that may influence their families' experience of bereavement.