Fathers' grief when a disabled child dies

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the subjective experience of fathers' grief responses to the death of a child with a disability. Eight fathers were interviewed and completed the Grief Experience Inventory (GEI). GEI results indicated that fathers did not differ significantly from parents who lose a child in other ways. However, subjectively, fathers consistently reported that their bereavement was marked by a "double loss": disability and then death. Consistent with the literature on gender differences in bereavement, fathers reported greater emotional stoicism and used activity, rather than talk or social support, as a primary coping strategy. Clinical implications for professionals working with grieving men or with couples are discussed.