Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2015, 6(2):253-259 | DOI: 10.15452/CEJNM.2015.06.0012

Communication about death in the family

Karolína Zedníková^*, Olga Pechová

Department of Psychology, Philosophical Faculty of Arts, Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic

Aim: The aim of the research was to map the specifications of communication of death with a child in the family of healthy members.

Design: Qualitative research.

Methods: A qualitative methodology was selected for initial orientation in a hitherto unexplored area. The method of semi-structured interview was aimed at mothers of preschool children aged between five and six, within their immediate family with no terminally ill family members. 14 mothers were selected by combining improbability sampling methods. A cluster method, simple enumeration method and method of searching for patterns were used to analyse the data.

Results: The obtained data describe family discussion about death. They describe mother and child as well as the circumstances in which thematic discussion takes place. The results indicate the strength of children's interest in the topic of death, which is accompanied by the tendency of the majority of mothers to convey such information to the child.

Conclusion: The theme of death in family discussion with preschool children has proved topical. Despite the fact that contemporary society continues to perceive death negatively, family members should be prepared to explore the topic with their children.

Keywords: child, family discussion, death, mother, preschool age

Received: January 5, 2015; Accepted: April 22, 2015; Published: September 30, 2015  Show citation