Hidden loss: a qualitative explorative study of children living with a parent with acquired brain injury

Rikke Kieffer-Kristensen, Karen Lise Gaardsvig Johansen

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    Abstract

    PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to listen to and learn from children showing high levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms after parental acquired brain injury (ABI), in order to achieve an in-depth understanding of the difficulties the children face in their everyday lives and identify possible trauma-related feelings and relational losses.

    DESIGN: The study was qualitative, using a phenomenological approach.

    METHODS AND PROCEDURE: Fourteen children between 7-14 years of age were interviewed at home using a semi-structured interview guide. Siblings were also invited to participate.

    RESULTS: All children were affected by their parents' ABI and the altered family situation. The children's expressions led the authors to identify six themes, including fear of losing the parent, distress and estrangement, chores and responsibilities, hidden loss, coping and support. The main finding indicates that the children experienced numerous losses, many of which were often suppressed or neglected by the children to protect the ill parents.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that the children seemed to make a special effort to hide their feelings of loss and grief in order to protect the ill parent. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the traumatic process of parental ABI that some children experience and emphasize the importance of family-centred interventions that include the children.

    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TidsskriftBrain Injury
    Vol/bind27
    Udgave nummer13-14
    Sider (fra-til)1562-9
    Antal sider8
    ISSN0269-9052
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - 2013

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    Citationsformater

    Kieffer-Kristensen, R., & Johansen, K. L. G. (2013). Hidden loss: a qualitative explorative study of children living with a parent with acquired brain injury. Brain Injury, 27(13-14), 1562-9. https://doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2013.841995