Focusing Energy on a Particular Object: A Chinese-Culture-Embedded Approach to Worden’s Adjustment Task in Grief Among Shiduers

Abstract

Overall, the lives and emotional states of parents who have lost their only child (shiduers) are poor. Previous studies have explored the negative emotions and risks to physical and mental health that characterize these individuals. However, few studies have investigated positive adaptation among shiduers. This study focused on three shiduers who were actively engaged in life. We used thematic analysis to identify themes related to their adjustment to life. The results revealed that all three shiduers included in this research focused their energy on a particular object, making these objects the highlights of their lives. This Chinese-culture-embedded approach, which allows them to make internal, external, and spiritual adjustments, aligns with an important task described in Worden’s (2009) tasks of mourning theory. This study provides a reference for professionals seeking to provide assistance to shiduers.

Keywords

shiduers Worden’s adjustment task positive adaptation case study China

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