Impact of expected parental death on the health of adolescent and young adult children: A systematic review of the literature
Abstract
Background:Few studies of health impacts of parental death focus on the developmental stage of adolescence and young adulthood and in particular, expected parental death from terminal illness. Aim: To systematically review the health impact of expected parental death on adolescent and young adult children aged 15–25 years and provide a basis for further research and clinical practice. Design: Systematic review registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017080282). Data sources: Pubmed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched with no restrictions on publication date with the last search in March 2021. Eligible articles included studies of adolescent and young adult children (defined by age range of 15–25 years) exposed to parental death due to terminal illness, and with reported health outcomes (physical, psychological or social). Articles were reviewed using the QualSyst tool. Results: Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. Adolescent and young adult children reported poor family cohesion and communication with associated negative psychological outcomes. They reported distrust in the health care provided to their terminally ill parent, increased psychological distress and risk of unresolved grief, anxiety and self-harm. Some experience was positive with posttraumatic growth identified. Conclusions: This review specifically analysed the health impact of expected parental death on adolescent and young adult children. It highlights their need for age-appropriate psychosocial support and clear information during parental illness, death and bereavement.
Categories: Psychology Sociology Health
Other articles
AIDS orphan tourism: A threat to young children in residential care
The dominant global perception that sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an “AIDS orphan crisis”, coupled with growing trends…
Read moreMortality after Parental Death in Childhood: A Nationwide Cohort Study from Three Nordic Countries
Background Bereavement by spousal death and child death in adulthood has been shown to lead to an increased risk of mortality.…
Read moreA Comparison of Mental Health Problems and Coping Strategies in Orphans and Non-Orphans
The present research aims to compare the levels of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress between…
Read moreSelf-esteem of Children Living with their Parents for Secondary Schools in AL-Rusafa: Comparative Study to the Children Living in Orphanage
Objectives: to find out differences in the level of self-esteem between orphanage children and children who live with their.…
Read more