Family Communication With Children and Adolescents Post Parental Loss in Road Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Traumatic parental loss during childhood and adolescence can have long-lasting effects on the developmental trajectory of youngsters. While there is some literature on the advantages of positive family communication fostering better adjustment in bereaved children and adolescents, patterns of family communication post parental loss have not received much attention. An understanding of these patterns can pave the way for more holistic interventions in this vulnerable group. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore parental loss-related communication in families of children and adolescents who have lost a parent to a road traffic accident. Method: The study was carried out in a tertiary hospital setting in Bengaluru. The sample comprised of 24 children and 17 surviving parents. The study employed a qualitative research design. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with surviving parents/caregivers and the children/adolescents. The interviews were analysed by using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The themes generated from the semi-structured interviews highlighted patterns of communication in parentally bereaved families. Four major themes emerged from the semi-structured interviews – mode of getting to know about the death, disclosure regarding the death, discussion regarding the death and individual needs related to communication. Conclusions: Communication regarding parental loss as a result of road traffic accidents in the family context seems to be desirable and may enable healthy grieving in youngsters. Short-term interventions aimed at enhancing family communication patterns following traumatic parental loss need to be developed in the Indian context.