The impact of practical support on parental bereavement: Reflections from a study involving parents bereaved through military death

ABSTRACT

This article, drawing on data from a wider study, describes the impact that U.K. bereaved military parents ascribe to the practical support (help with home and garden maintenance) that they received following the death of their son. The type of practical support offered to parents has had a wide-ranging and significant impact on them. In addition to helping them find meaning and maintain continuing bonds, this form of support contributed to their capacity to engage in restoration-focused coping. As a symbolic resource, this type of practical support may be a significant moderator of distress in the psychosocial transition of bereavement.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Forces Support for their funding, and the UK military parents for their hospitality and their generous contribution to increasing our knowledge and understanding.

Notes

¹In the United Kingdom, the voluntary sector refers to not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations that provide publically funded social, community, and health-related support. Also known as the third sector, it contrasts with the public and the private sector.

²In the context of this article, the term parent is used inclusively to refer to persons who have assumed parental responsibilities for a child whether or not they are genetically related.