Bereaved adolescents' experience of posttraumatic growth : an exploratory study

M.A.In this study the researcher explores bereaved adolescents’ experiences of posttraumatic growth. As few research studies have addressed this phenomenon, particularly from a qualitative perspective, the researcher identified a need to explore this issue further in early adolescents. The loss of both parents affects adolescents in a number of ways. In listening to the experiences of four bereaved adolescents, the researcher attempts to discover the impact their loss had on them and their experience of posttraumatic growth. Using these unique accounts, the researcher attempts to find the patterns and themes indicating the various changes that occurred in each participant as a result of their loss. Although there are similarities across the four stories, each one represents a unique experience. There were some differences largely due to their developmental phases at the time of the loss as well as currently. The following themes were the significant findings of the research: a greater appreciation for relationships, support and life; a sense of kinship and understanding amongst their peers at the children’s home; the importance of playing and being ‘normal’; never giving up; empathy and a need to help others; a sense of powerlessness; life lessons learnt due to their experience; hope for the future; and a strong need for expression