Life after loss: Coping mechanism among grieving parents
Angelica Joan C. Daria & Joshua Thaddius O. Guerrero
Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of parents who had experienced the untimely death of a child, with particular attention to their grief journey, coping mechanisms, and post-loss challenges. Guided by the Kubler-Ross Grief Model, the research examined how parents navigated the various stages of grief, managed their emotional suffering, and adapted to life following their loss. To gain an in-depth understanding of these experiences, the study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), while data were examined through Structured Narrative Analysis to identify recurring patterns and meanings within participants’ narratives. Findings revealed that all participants experienced the five stages of grief identified by Kubler-Ross; however, these stages did not occur in a fixed or linear sequence. Participants utilized various adaptive coping strategies, including preserving memories of their child through symbolic gestures, relying on family support, and maintaining daily responsibilities to sustain functionality. At the same time, some participants engaged in less adaptive responses, such as emotional suppression, grief avoidance, and reliance on unrealistic hopes, which hindered their ability to fully process their loss. The complex and individualized nature of parental bereavement emphasize the importance of accessible postvention services and psychosocial support. By providing deeper insight into the grief experiences of bereaved parents, this study contributes to the understanding of parental loss and offers implications for mental health professionals, support organizations, and policymakers seeking to improve bereavement care.
Keywords
untimely death, interpretative phenomenological analysis, bereavement, Kubler-Ross Grief Theory
Author information & Contribution
Angelica Joan C. Daria. Corresponding author. College Graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Candelaria Inc. Quezon, Philippines. Email: dariaangelc@gmail.com
Joshua Thaddius O. Guerrero. College Graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Candelaria Inc. Quezon, Philippines. Email: guerrero.thaddius.20020911@gmail.com
“All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.”
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Declaration
The authors declare the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the authors used ChatGPT in paraphrasing ideas and translating Tagalog words to English. The authors take full responsibility in ensuring proper review and editing of contents generated using AI.
Notes
This paper is presented in the 3rd International Student Research Congress (ISRC) 2026
Acknowledgement
Ms. Vernie R. Mercado, LPT - research professor
Mr. Jonathan N. Cube - research adviser
Dr. Liandro L. Serrano - panelist
Dr. Amelita O. Balagatas - panelist
Dr. Crystal B. Quintana, Ed. D. - panelist
Ms. Lovely Princess Villar, Rpm, CMHFR - validator
Ms. Keen Reyes, Rpm - validator
Ms. Cherry Gail P. Cueto - psychometrician
Jasmin O. Guerrero - referral of participants
Lucita C. Copo - referral of participants
Mikylla Mae V. Copo - referral of participants
Parents - participants
Authors’ Family - support
Almighty God - guidance
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Cite this article:
Daria, A.J.C. & Guerrero, J.T.O. (2026). Life after loss: Coping mechanism among grieving parents. The Research Probe, 6(1), 224-249. https://doi.org/10.53378/trp.228
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) International License.
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