Parental grief: a qualitative analysis of gratitude.

Gratitude in the context of parental grief is a relatively underexplored area that warrants attention due to its potential impact on the grieving process and personal growth following a traumatic loss. This qualitative study aims to explore the role of gratitude within the traumatic context of parental bereavement, examining the types and processes of gratitude experienced by bereaved parents. The research employed thematic analysis based on a conceptual model of gratitude to investigate the experiences of grieving parents. It identified various manifestations of gratitude, both explicit and implicit, throughout the grieving process. Findings reveal that gratitude plays a complex role in the experience of parental bereavement. Participants reported experiencing interpersonal, transcendental, and adversity-related gratitude. Key processes identified include recognition of gifts, attribution to agents, and valuing experiences. Factors that facilitate or hinder gratitude were also explored. This study contributes to the limited literature on gratitude in parental bereavement and provides valuable insights for developing supportive interventions. It highlights the potential of gratitude as a coping mechanism and a pathway for personal growth in the face of profound traumatic loss, offering a nuanced understanding of its role in the grieving process.