文献类型：期刊文献

英文题名：The experience of loneliness among the Chinese bereaved parents-a qualitative study from the life course perspective

作者：Hu, Qian[1];Wang, Ning[2]

机构：[1]Guangzhou Univ, Sch Publ Adm, Dept Sociol, Guangzhou, Peoples R China;[2]East China Univ Sci & Technol, Sch Social & Publ Adm, Shanghai, Peoples R China

年份：2023

卷号：23

期号：1

外文期刊名：BMC GERIATRICS

收录：;WOS:【SSCI(收录号:WOS:000982872200001)，SCI-EXPANDED(收录号:WOS:000982872200001)】；

语种：英文

外文关键词：Shidu; Bereavement; Loneliness; Life course perspective; Qualitative methods

摘要：BackgroundWith the implementation of the 37 years one-child policy, many couples only have one child in China. Chinese parents whose only child died and did not give birth to or adopt another child are known as "Shidu" parents or "Shiduer". Characterised by elements of childlessness, bereavement, and ageing, Shiduer are at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness. However, little is known about their loneliness experience. Adopting a life course perspective, this research aims to investigate how loneliness was experienced and coped by older Chinese Shidu parents and identify the most vulnerable groups for policy intervention.MethodsQualitative method was adopted for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants from urban and rural Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in central China, to collect data on participants' life course related resources and loneliness experience after bereavement. An abductive approach was used to analyse the data.ResultsThe results demonstrate that the social environment (urban/rural), timing of bereavement (midlife/older age), social network (strong/weak), and coping strategies (escape-avoidance/problem-solving) differentiate the experience of loneliness among the Shiduer. Those who lived in rural communities, those bereaved in older age, those who had a weak social network, and those who adopted the escape-avoidance strategy were found vulnerable and suffered from more chronic and intensive loneliness than their counterparts without these characteristics.ConclusionThis study is among the first attempts to examine loneliness experience and coping among older Chinese bereaved parents from a qualitative, life course perspective. It provides insights into how loneliness has been perceived and experienced differently among the bereaved one-child parents in China. The results of the current study provide important implications for policymakers and practitioners/social workers for the intervention of loneliness.