This study explored bereaved parents’ responses to their child’s death in the 2014 Sewol Ferry sinking incident, focusing on identifying changes in parental self-identity two and five years after their loss. To understand the unique meaning of their loss and its impact on their self-perception, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight mothers and four fathers at two timepoints. Three patterns of parental self-identity: reintegration, disintegration, and coexistence emerged. Patterns emerged in five domains: (a) relational identity, (b) physical identity, (c) financial identity, (d) professional identity and (e) spiritual identity. Each of these domain-associated themes provided insights into the patterns and characteristics of the changes in bereaved parents’ self-identity following their loss. Recommendations for future research and potential implications are discussed.
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