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Abstract

This chapter focuses on the loss of parents in later life, whether physical or psychological, but with particular focus on the lead-up to death following a period of care. The focus here is not on the period of grief after a death and practicalities of funeral arrangements, but instead emphasis is placed upon the feelings surrounding what Dupuis (2002) called anticipatory or ambiguous loss, which is a sense of loss felt when the death of a loved one is imminent. This chapter looks at the ambivalent feelings that are aroused by the death of parents, including feelings of grief, sadness, depression, and guilt, but also relief, opportunity, empowerment and self-development, and freedom. It acknowledges difficult parent relationships and how these losses are managed. Finally there is a discussion of the term ‘midlife orphan’ and what this means for the adult child’s new roles, responsibilities, and sense of identity.

Publication Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	This is a post-peer-review, pre-copy edited version of a chapter published in "The Child–Parent Caregiving Relationship in Later Life". The definitive publisher-authenticated version Brett, B. M. (2023). "6: The loss of parents in later life". In The Child–Parent Caregiving Relationship in Later Life. Bristol, UK: Policy Press is available online at: https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447319702
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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