Vivências de luto parental e suporte emocional: um estudo fenomenológico de perdas precoces e múltiplas

Abstract

This dissertation, structured in the format of two articles, aimed to understand the experiences of parental grief in the context of gestational, neonatal, infant, and multiple losses, with an emphasis on the emotional support received. The study is qualitative in nature, grounded in a phenomenological approach, and conducted through listening to bereaved parents and family members. The first article analyzed the narratives of eight participants who experienced early losses, revealing dimensions of grief related to the search for support, spirituality, the role of healthcare professionals, and existential transformations in the face of the child’s absence. Building upon this initial investigation, the second article emerged from the methodological decision to comprehensively deepen the singular experience of one participant who endured a multiple loss—the death of her adult daughter and of her grandchild still in gestation—due to the existential strength of her testimony. In both experiences, the fragility of the emotional support offered and the importance of sensitive and humanized care were evident. The findings highlight the need for better preparation of professionals and institutions in providing care to bereaved families, as well as for the strengthening of public policies that respect the uniqueness of parental grief in its multiple forms.