A narrative study on continuing bonds with deceased parents : a sample of University of Limpopo students, South Africa

Abstract

Continuing bonds (CBs) after bereavement have been the subject of contemporary research interest. Unlike previously understood, maintaining bonds with deceased relatives has been shown to have some adaptive value. CBs have been investigated mainly within the general bereaved population, especially among bereaved spouses. However, comparative studies are lacking with parentally bereaved university students. The present study sought to fill this gap by exploring student narratives on the nature and role of CBs after the loss of a parent. A qualitative methodology was adopted using a narrative inquiry to capture the nuances of loss and CBs among the student population. Eleven (n = 11) participants were recruited and interviewed using the biographical interview strategy. Narrative thematic analysis was used to analyse the data wherein various facets of CBs were identified. The identified CBs were particularly magnified in times of distress or when the students were experiencing life challenges. The students reasoned CBs as comforting strategies that also improved their post-bereavement coping. The present study adds another dimension to CBs research and highlights the important role of CBs in the wake of bereavement. The outcomes of the study carry multiple implications for future research on continuing bonds (CBs) and for interventions regarding bereavement within the context of student population.