Smärtan som inte syns
The purpose of this study was to analyze and interpret how parents react after learning that their child was deceased, and the process that parents employed in dealing with this bereavement. This study also focused on the parents’ perceived ‘treatment’ received from relatives, friends and professionals. A qualitative study was conducted using interviews with seven parents who had suffered bereavement. Interviews and analyses were based on three themes: the grief process, treatment and sharing experiences. The theoretical base of “Cullbergs” crisis theory and its four phases: ‘the shock phase’, ‘reaction phase’, ‘processing phase’ and ‘reorientation phase’ were used. Conclusions varied from parents who felt they had not received support when their child died, to parents who had diverse and unique grief processes with similarities to other parents. The parents in this study have benefited from sharing their experiences with those in similar situations to themselves.