“It is not simply the loss of a child”: The challenges facing parents who have lost their only child in post-reproductive age in China

Abstract

The death of one’s only child in post-reproductive age (in Chinese, shidu) is a traumatic event that has specific cultural implications in China. This study investigates the experience of a changed life and emerging challenges amongst Chinese shidu parents. Thematic analysis of 36 interviews revealed four main life consequences following shidu: impairment of psychological and physical health, weakening of social networks and interactions, loss of meaning in life, and lack of care and security. We suggest that health monitoring and mental health intervention, adequate social and community support, and improved social security are the critical needs in this vulnerable group.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge all research participants for their contribution to this study. Thanks to Kathryn Wicks and Luiz Valério P. Trindade for their helpful comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Education, Social Science Foundation Youth Project under Grant [15YJC840010] and Social Science Foundation Youth Project under Grant [18CSH037].