DefinePK

Abstract

This research is carried out on individuals who have experienced sudden parental death in childhood. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate Post-Traumatic Growth of individuals who experienced sudden loss of parents in childhood. This research investigates the negative effects of trauma and protective factors aiding individuals in coping with parental loss. 10 females age between 17 -26 years were interviewed; the obtained data was analyzed using phenomenological approach. Thematic Analysis was done, and four major themes were extracted from the data these include effects of sudden loss, experiencing the pain, healing from the traumatic event and the fourth positive aspects including self –growth and experiential improvement. The results of the study provided evidence that the consequences of the trauma related to parental loss faced by individuals early in their lives were not only confined to negative aspects, but it also contributed to their personal growth later in their lives. The findings of this study add to the field, by highlighting the various aspects of post traumatic growth in adulthood. It highlights the positive aspects of childhood trauma that individuals experienced later in their lives. The findings further highlight new avenues mental health professionals as well as other stakeholders can explore related to post-traumatic growth among adults.