Prior research has highlighted the fact that bereaved parents are confronted with a severe crisis of meaning in their lives (Braun & Berg, 1994; Craig, 1977; Miles & Crandall, 1986; Rando, 1986; Wheeler, 1990). The author conducted a study (Talbot, 1996–97) which combined both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand what it means for mothers to survive the death of their only child. This article focuses on the findings from ten in-depth interviews which delineate the life-world of participant bereaved mothers. Implications for counselors and other professionals assisting bereaved mothers of only children are included.
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