Philippine E-Journals

UNDERSTANDING THE EXPERIENCES OF LOSS AMONG FILIPINO SUICIDE-BEREAVED PARENTS

Jenika P. Asuncion | Denise N. Peji | Angeline Martha P. Beroin

 

Abstract:

Suicide is becoming a global phenomenon with the increasing cases, particularly among adolescents. With these occurrences, parents experience bereavement, left in state of grief and uncertainty. This study aimed to broaden the understanding of the lived experiences of parents who have lost a child through suicide. Eight (8) parents who have been suicide-bereaved for 2 to 5 years have participated through face-to-face interviews. After transcribing and categorizing the significant statements from the interview transcription, two essential themes emerged from the data: The Aftermath of Losing a Child and Experiencing the Meaning of Loss. These themes provide a deeper understanding of their experiences of loss, from the moment of losing their child, to after the incident, and the meaning of loss for them since the death of their child up to the present. These findings place emphasis on the grief process of suicide bereavement, as they continue life as a parent. Additionally, these themes provide a realization of the significance of this phenomenon from the parents‘ perspective.