'I didn't know what was in front of me'-Bereaved parents' experience of adapting to life when a co-parent of dependent children has died with cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

It is not clear how the bereaved parent navigates life with the children after a co-parent has died. The objective of this study is to explore bereaved parents' experience of managing life when a co-parent of dependent children has died with cancer.

Methods

Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with bereaved parents when a co-parent died with cancer. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Bereaved parents highlighted how their children was their key focus after the death of a co-parent with cancer, as they effortfully strived to be a 'perfect parent'. While some bereaved parents struggled to adapt to the role as a sole parent, others described the importance of maximising social networks to help with the practical aspects of parenting. However, mos

SUBMITTER: Hanna JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9825999 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature