Exploring Bereaved Mothers' Perceptions of Grief Support Groups After Child Loss

Perspectives for Enhanced Support

Abstract

Aim: This study explores mothers' perceptions of grief support groups following child loss and provide implications for future support. Methods: Mothers attending grief support meetings since 2017 completed online surveys after each meeting from 2020. Survey completion indicated consent. Content analysis identified from the 6th to 13th meetings to identify codes and categories from open-ended comments. Results: Thirty-seven (64.9%) out of 58 participants responded. Eight categories emerged from 106 codes: "space to talk about the deceased child," "listening and being listened to," "empathy and shared experiences," "expressing suppressed emotions," "realizing they are not alone," "emotional relief," "a place to remember the deceased child," and "facing grief." Conclusions: Mothers reported benefits from support groups, while persistent nature of grief emphasizes the need for ongoing, individualized support.