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Love and Death: Relational Metaphors Following the Death of a Child

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 April 2014

Laura R. Umphrey  and
Joanne Cacciatore
Laura R. Umphrey*
Affiliation:
School of Communication, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Joanne Cacciatore
Affiliation:
School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
*
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE TO: Laura R. Umphrey, School of Communication, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ 86011USA. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Recognised as one of the most painful human experiences, the purpose of this study was to uncover the relational and metaphorical themes embodied in bereaved parent narratives following the death of a child. Using a grounded approach, 420 narratives were analysed. Results of the study found (a) relational trajectory, (b) grief/coping, and (c) communication as prominent relational themes. In the present study, bereaved parents often described their conjugal relationship metaphorically as being in motion, as a living organism, and as on a journey. Grief was primarily described metaphorically as a type of journey. Communication was metaphorically described in terms of being open or closed. Discovering the experiences of bereaved parents adds to our knowledge about how the stress of child death impacts relational resiliency. Implications are discussed.

Keywords

bereavementchild deathgriefcommunicationmetaphor
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Relationships Research , Volume 5 , 2014 , e4
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australian Academic Press Pty Ltd 2014 

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