Search for meaning as a protective factor in prolonged grief. Results of an empirical investigation on a sample of parents who have lost a child
Domenico Bellantoni, Maria Luisa De Luca, Maria Grazia Merini, Antonio Palummieri
This article reports the results of a research aimed at analyzing the existence of an inverse correlation between the symptomatology of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and the two constructs of Existential Analysis such as the purpose of life and the capacity for self-transcendence in order to understand whether these capacities can be protective factors against the development of this disorder.
The study was conducted by administering three questionnaires, namely the PG-13, the PILS and the «Self-Transcendence» Scale, preceded by some exploratory questions, to a sample of 57 parents who experienced the loss of a child, born and then deceased. In particular, 32 mothers (56.1%) and 23 fathers (40.4%) from various regions of Italy participated in the research.
The most significant data that emerge are, first of all, having a purpose in one’s life which appears to be a protective factor against the development of a possible PGD as in the moment of the painful event of grief, the parent’s life and their Self remain oriented towards something that remains solid and still present despite the unfortunate event.
Furthermore, it was seen how the presence of other children and/or living this experience through a journey of faith can be variables that help parents to face this event, lowering the possibility of developing symptoms related to PGD.
Keywords
Bereavement of a child, Existential analysis, Search for Meaning, Grief & Growth Therapy.