Emotional security theory: An application to sibling bereavement

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Family Studies
• Bereavement Research

Background:

• Sibling bereavement requires theoretical understanding, especially within family systems.
• Existing frameworks may not fully capture the long-term impact on young adults.
• Emotional security theory offers a potential lens for examining these experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the applicability of emotional security theory to sibling bereavement.
• To examine the relationship between prolonged parental grief and young adult emotional security.
• To determine if emotional security mediates the link between parental grief and emotional functioning.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 72 young adults who experienced sibling bereavement.
• Assessed perceptions of prolonged parental grief.
• Measured aspects of emotional security: disengagement, preoccupation, and security.
• Evaluated young adult emotional functioning.

Main Results:

• Perceptions of prolonged parental grief were associated with key aspects of emotional security.
• Emotional security was found to mediate the relationship between prolonged parental grief and emotional functioning.
• Findings suggest emotional security theory is relevant for understanding sibling bereavement outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Emotional security theory provides a useful framework for studying bereaved siblings.
• Understanding parental grief's impact on emotional security is crucial for young adult outcomes.
• Further research can explore interventions based on emotional security principles.