Parental Relationships following the Loss of a Child

Abstract

To enhance understanding of parental relationships following the loss of a child, a questionnaire was sent to members of Norwegian bereavement support organizations. The sample consisted of 175 couples. Using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), we found that an individual’s ability to talk to a partner about own feelings positively correlated with fewer problems and higher satisfaction and cohesion in the couple. Couples felt closer to one another following the loss and were pleased with their relationship. Early intervention may help couples navigate the changes necessitated in a relationship by the loss of a child and prevent negative dyadic changes.