The experiences of older people who have lost an adult child
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The psychological experiences of older people who have lost an adult child
IRAS ID
270072
Contact name
Sarah Driscoll
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 21 days
Research summary
The aim of this project is to enhance knowledge of the experiences of people over the age of 65 who have experienced the loss of an adult child. Although there is research on the bereavement experiences of people who have lost a younger child or a partner/spouse there is little research on older people who have lost an adult child. Existing research which has focused on individuals who have had this experience has tended to be quantitative in nature. Therefore there appears to be a gap in terms of having an in-depth understanding of the experiences of older people who have lost an adult child. This study will therefore involve conducting semi-structured interviews with people who have had this experience, which will then be analysed to give a greater understanding of their experiences and how they make sense of them.
This study will aim to recruit approximatley 15 people from NHS Fife, third-sector organisations and the wider community. People who come forward will have a preparatory discussion with the interviewer at which time additional information will be provided and they can ask questions. A location agreed upon by the researcher and the participants (e.g. Health and Social Care premises or the participants home) to meet face to face will be arranged. Written consent will be obtained from each participant prior to data collection. Eligibility to participate will be confirmed prior to interview. Interviews will last approximately 90 minutes and participants will be debriefed following this. Interviews will be recorded and analysed by the researcher; this and all other data will be stored securely in line with NHS Fife and University of Edinburgh policies.
Those who participate in the research will be offered the opportunity to share their experience of having been interviewed and will be given information on additional sources of support.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
20/NS/0001
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion