Research on parental bereavement has focused historically on single or partnered cross-gendered (heterosexual) bereaved parents. No previous studies have examined the unique experiences of same-gendered bereaved parents. This multiple-case study focused on child death in same-gendered-parent families. The goal of this study was to yield…

The present research examined the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic goal attainment on older adults' ego-integrity, psychological well-being, and death attitudes. Hypotheses were derived from Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000; Vansteenkiste, Ryan, & Deci, in press). Study 1 (N = 202, Mean age = 68.2 years) indicated that, after…

Interviewed 14 couples who had a child die. All parents, particularly mothers, expressed guilt. For most couples, guilt and grief interfered with intimacy, although being held was a comforting device. Producing a replacement child was common among couples of child bearing age. (JAC)

Purpose: Longitudinal research in dementia has acknowledged the importance of transitions during the course of family caregiving. However, long-term adaptation to institutionalization has received little attention. This study attempts to describe caregivers' adaptation (changes in stress, well-being, and psychosocial resources) to placement up to…

Studied attitudes of eight hospital groups on several aspects of terminal care by means of a questionnaire. Responses of the groups, which included physicians, residents, nurses, aides, and orderlies, did not differ on general statements about terminal care. On more specific statements perception of personal involvement influenced responses.…

Examines the effects of contemporaneous circumstances on the death attitudes of older adults. Findings suggest that the present social and psychological environment of the aged plays a less significant role in their attitudes toward death than is presently reflected in social gerontology. (Author)

Investigates self-destructive behavior in terms of interpersonal strategies of manipulation. Males and females anticipating sudden violent death (SVD) showed higher needs for control while SVD males demonstrated impaired competency in the expression of affectional needs. Inability to express affection may lead to perceptions of the self as…

A national, retrospective cross-sectional study of 213 Australian women who relinquished a first child for adoption when they were young and single found that the effects of relinquishment on the mother are negative and longlasting. Relinquishing a child for adoption was viewed as a stressful life-event involving loss. Analyses of data obtained…

A study to determine whether any previous training had been received in death counseling, to assess the need for resident physicians to provide such counseling, and to define the self-perceived confidence level of resident physicians in providing psychosocial support to dying patients and their families is described. (Author/MLW)

Correlates Nixon's actions during his final days in office to the concepts of postself and partial death. Postself is the image one wants to remain after death. Partial death is a transitory state in which one faces a major alteration in his/her relationship to the world. (JMF)

This study analyses the problems facing classroom teachers who must cope with young children who have experienced the death of a parent, a sibling, or a close grandparent. A questionnaire was designed to secure information on the impact of the death of a loved one on the cognitive development of young children. Teachers were asked about the extent…

Surveyed 106 child welfare workers on types of personal loss they experienced and the support they received from colleagues. Found that 85 percent had endured a loss during their term of employment. They received the most help from their co-workers, followed by supervisors, but would have liked more emotional support and a longer leave of absence…

Participant-observation research was conducted in the home care components of a free-standing inpatient facility associated with several hospice organizations over three years. The data are reported using negotiated order theory as a framework for understanding the hospice movement and its attempts to change the experience of dying. (JPS)

An analysis of the loss reactions of college students (N=1,139) was made over a two-year period. Variability in choice of coping mechanism, type of loss, and physical and emotional reactions was shown. Suggests social support systems and communication about the loss were important forces in resolution and grief work. (Author)

Presents a model that integrates individual grief and family grief models and then describes this interaction. Highlights the importance of family processes in each individual's perceptions of the death, as well as each family member's influence on the overall grief reactions and coping strategies of the family system. (RJM)