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Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations
Published on: September 16, 2015
Uncertainties experienced by family members when one parent is dying
Pam Shockey Stephenson1, Denice Sheehan2, Dana Hansen1
1Assistant Professor, at the College of Nursing, Kent State University, Ohio, US.
Purpose:
This research examined uncertainty as a salient theme for families in which a parent was dying while receiving hospice care.
Methods:
Interviews were conducted with 61 participants from 26 families in the parent study to explore the strategies used by adolescents with a parent in a hospice. Second interviews were conducted with 15 original participants after the death of their parent. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse data.
Results:
Uncertainty was a prevalent and salient theme in the participants' stories revealing patterns about the causes, barriers, effects and strategies used to manage uncertainty.
Conclusion:
Uncertainties associated with the end of life can be problematic for some people, requiring attention by health professionals.
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