Early Parental Adjustment and Bereavement After Childhood Cancer Death

This study comprehensively explored parental bereavement and adjustment at 6 months post-loss due to childhood cancer. Interviews were conducted with 18 mothers and 13 fathers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed based on qualitative methodology. A model describing early parental bereavement and adaptation emerged with 3 domains: (1) Perception of the Child, describing bereavement and adjustment prior to and after the loss; (2) Perception of Others, including relationships with partners, surviving children, and their social network; and (3) Perception of the World, exploring parents' perceived meanings of the experience in the context of their worldview. Domains are illustrated by quotes. Profiles of parental bereavement emerged.