Citation

Brabant S, Forsyth CJ, McFarlain G. Death Stud. 1994; 18(2): 197-206.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481189408252651

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We conducted 14 interviews representing 9 families and 10 child deaths to examine a dilemma common to bereaved parents-the definition of the family after the death of a child. Although the deceased child continued to be defined as a member of the family to the parents, the degree to which this definition of the family was presented to outsiders varied. The work of Boss (psychological presence/physical absence and boundary ambiguity) and Goffman front-stage performance / backstage reality) facilitates an understanding of this dilemma. Implications for grief counseling are discussed.

Language: en