Personal Transformation in Midlife Orphanhood: An Empirical Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The present study explores the ways in which being orphaned at midlife leads to personal transformation. Empirical phenomenological methods were applied to in-depth interviews with four participants. Analysis of the explicit and implicit lived meanings of this experience yielded 74 themes organized into a general structural narrative. This narrative ranged from early experiences of providing care to the dying parent to an eventual reorganization of self. In crossing the generational line and assuming the role of elder, study participants developed an increased sense of purpose and meaning, transcendence of egoistic concern, a greater sense of interconnectedness to others, and deeper sensitivity and compassion. Further, the results provide evidence that an ongoing relationship to the deceased parent serves several vital psychological and developmental functions, and that actively “holding on” to the deceased parent drives many of the dynamics through which personal transformation is effected.