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Published on: September 19, 2019
Re-constructing parental identity after parents face their offspring's suicidal behaviour: An interview study.
A Juel1, A Erlangsen2, L L Berring3
1Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry Region Zealand, Fælledvej 6, 4, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark; Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 19, 3, 5000 Odense, Denmark.
Parental identity is disrupted by offspring's suicidal behavior. Through social interaction, parents navigate stages of disrupted identity, impasse, and restored agency, ultimately reconstructing their sense of self.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Offspring's suicidal behavior significantly impacts parents' mental and emotional well-being.
- Limited research exists on the specific effects on parental identity.
- Understanding parental identity reconstruction is crucial for support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how parents reconstruct and negotiate their parental identity after realizing their child is suicidal.
- To identify the stages involved in this identity negotiation process.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative exploratory design utilizing semi-structured interviews.
- 21 Danish parents of offspring at risk of suicidal death participated.
- Thematic analysis drawing on negotiated identity and moral career concepts.
Main Results:
- Parental identity was conceptualized as a three-stage moral career: disrupted identity, impasse, and restored agency.
- Realizing offspring's suicidal risk initiated identity disruption.
- Social interactions were key in navigating through stages and restoring parental agency.
Conclusions:
- Offspring's suicidal behavior profoundly disrupts parental self-identity.
- Social interaction is fundamental for parents to reconstruct their disrupted parental identity.
- The study provides insight into the stages of parental self-identity and agency reconstruction.
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