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    The Impact of Parental Bereavement on Young People: A Thematic Analysis of Using Online Web Forums as a Method of Coping

    Smith, K and Langer, S ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3036-430X (2023) The Impact of Parental Bereavement on Young People: A Thematic Analysis of Using Online Web Forums as a Method of Coping. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 87 (3). pp. 921-940. ISSN 0030-2228

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    Abstract

    A qualitative approach was used to explore how online web forums might facilitate recovery and the process of coping. Ten online web forums written by young people who have personally experienced the death of a parent formed the data of this study. Previous research suggests forum users do not receive the supportive reactions from face-to-face interactions that they desire. Thematic analysis found that forums created an environment where young people can process the bereavement of a parent. Forums allowed young people to use their experience of bereavement to positively support others with similar experiences. The findings imply that the process of using forums can positively impact individuals who have experienced the loss of a parent. This supports recommendations by professionals, to consider online forums as a coping strategy. This study presents one of the few analyses of web forums written by young people who have experienced parental bereavement.

    Item Type: Article (Article)
    Peer-reviewed: Yes
    Date Deposited: 18 Jan 2023 09:32
    Publisher: SAGE Publications
    Additional Information: This is an author accepted manuscript of an article published in Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, by Sage Publications.
    Divisions: Faculties > Health and Education
    Subject terms: Social Sciences, Psychology, Multidisciplinary, Social Sciences, Biomedical, Psychology, Biomedical Social Sciences, bereavement, grief, online web forums, coping, SOCIAL SUPPORT, COMMUNICATION, METAANALYSIS, ASSOCIATION, POPULATION, CHILDHOOD, OUTCOMES, SUICIDE, bereavement, coping, grief, online web forums, 1701 Psychology
    URI: https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/631209
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228211024017
    ISSN 0030-2228
    e-ISSN 1541-3764

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