Philippine E-Journals

DEATH OF A CHILD: GRIEF EXPERIENCES AND COPING MECHANISMS OF SELECTED FATHERS

Marie Christine R. Rio | Klerizell Mungcal | Lady April S. Roberto

 

Abstract:

The study examined the grief experiences of fathers related to the death of their child and how they coped with this loss. A total of eight fathers were interviewed and the results were analyzed through thematic content analysis. Results indicated that the father-participants experienced pain, acceptance and regret as a result of the loss of their child. It also showed that the fathers used two coping mechanisms: emotion-focused or avoidant coping and positive appraisal, to deal with their child’s death