The experience of loneliness among the Chinese bereaved parents-a qualitative study from the life course perspective.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the implementation of the 37 years one-child policy, many couples only have one child in China. Chinese parents whose only child died and did not give birth to or adopt another child are known as "Shidu" parents or "Shiduer". Characterised by elements of childlessness, bereavement, and ageing, Shiduer are at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness. However, little is known about their loneliness experience. Adopting a life course perspective, this research aims to investigate how loneliness was experienced and coped by older Chinese Shidu parents and identify the most vulnerable groups for policy intervention.

Methods

Qualitative method was adopted for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants from urban and rural Wuhan, the

SUBMITTER: Hu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10029220 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature