Parental grief: a qualitative analysis of gratitude

Background: Gratitude in the context of parental grief is a relatively underexplored area that warrants attention due to its potential impact on the grieving process and personal growth following a traumatic loss.Objective: This qualitative study aims to explore the role of gratitude within the traumatic context of parental bereavement, examining the types and processes of gratitude experienced by bereaved parents.Method: The research employed thematic analysis based on a conceptual model of gratitude to investigate the experiences of grieving parents. It identified various manifestations of gratitude, both explicit and implicit, throughout the grieving process.Results: Findings reveal that gratitude plays a complex role in the experience of parental bereavement. Participants reported experiencing interpersonal, transcendental, and adversity-related gratitude. Key processes identified include recognition of gifts, attribution to agents, and valuing experiences. Factors that facilitate or hinder gratitude were also explored.Conclusions: This study contributes to the limited literature on gratitude in parental bereavement and provides valuable insights for developing supportive interventions. It highlights the potential of gratitude as a coping mechanism and a pathway for personal growth in the face of profound traumatic loss, offering a nuanced understanding of its role in the grieving process.