The influence of maternal loss on young women's experience of identity development in emerging adulthood.

A qualitative approach was used to study the influence of adolescent maternal loss on identity development in 6 young women. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed for recurrent themes. Three metathemes emerged from the narratives: Loss of Mother Impacts Iden...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Death Studies Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 17 - 44
Autor principal: Schultz LE
Formato: research Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Jan2007
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:A qualitative approach was used to study the influence of adolescent maternal loss on identity development in 6 young women. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed for recurrent themes. Three metathemes emerged from the narratives: Loss of Mother Impacts Identity, Relatedness on the Path of Identity Development, and Integration of Loss into Emergent Identity. Findings indicate that the experience of maternal loss influenced aspects of the women's identity development and initiated a need to seek new connections and redefine aspects of self in order to integrate the loss. Practical implications of these findings are presented for clinicians who work with bereaved young women.