Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Primary Minor
Art
Thesis Advisor
Deborah Meshel BSN, MSN
Abstract
The death of a parent is a profound and life-altering experience, especially for children and adolescents, who no longer have a parental figure to guide them through the struggles of processing grief and adjusting to life. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of hospital-based parental death preparations on sibling relationships after the loss of a parent. Methods: This quasi-experimental, mixed method longitudinal study will explore the impact of structured hospital-based bereavement support on the quality of sibling relationships after parental loss. Quantitative surveys will assess relationship dynamics at three time points: immediately post-loss, 2 years post-loss, and 5 years post-loss. Qualitative interviews with surviving siblings and caregivers will give insight on their experiences with hospital-based support. It is hypothesized that children and adolescents receiving structured bereavement support will exhibit stronger sibling bonds, lower levels of conflict over time, and increased mutual support in coping with grief. This research aims to provide evidence supporting the need for pre-bereavement interventions, advocating for improved policies and structured programs. Informing future hospital practices to better address the emotional needs of grieving children and adolescents demonstrates the positive impact of such support.
Included in
Family Practice Nursing Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Palliative Nursing Commons