Citation

Hinkson G, Huggins C, Modeste-James A. Traumatology 2020; 26(4): 336-343.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, Publisher APA Journals)

DOI

10.1037/trm0000264

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Mothers of adult children killed by homicide experience traumatic grief that is unique to this population. Yet, there is limited research on their experience and its impact on mothers' physical and mental health status. A total of 20 mothers were interviewed about their physical and mental health status after the homicide of their adult children in the small Caribbean island state of Trinidad and Tobago. This phenomenological study utilized a thematic narrative analysis method to interpret the data.

FINDINGS revealed that 17 mothers experienced mental and physical health deterioration and attributed this to the death of their child. In all, 11 mothers were actively utilizing mental health services, and 5 mothers continued to exhibit depressive symptoms but were not seeking mental health services. The study revealed that the mothers attributed adverse mental and physical health outcomes to the death of their child by homicide. The findings highlighted avenues for assessment and for creating services for this grieving population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords: Bereavement

Language: en