Young Adult Narratives of Sibling Loss and Bereavement during Adolescence

150 Pages·2017·0.66 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2017
Young Adult Narratives of Sibling Loss and
Bereavement during Adolescence
Kelly Lynn Collins-Colosi
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Kelly Collins-Colosi

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Susan Marcus, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Elisha Galaif, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Susana Verdinelli, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2016
Abstract
Young Adult Narratives of Sibling Loss and Bereavement during Adolescence
by
Kelly L. Collins-Colosi

MA, Marywood University, 2003
BS, Binghamton University, 2001

Dissertation Submitted in Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Health Psychology

Walden University
December 2016
Abstract
Up to 90% of adolescents in the U.S. experience a loss of a family member or friend.
However, prior research on loss of a family member has focused predominantly on the
adult experience (e.g., loss of a spouse), parental bereavement (loss of a child), or grief
counseling as an intervention for dealing with loss. Little is known about the sibling loss
experience, particularly from the point of view of the surviving sibling who suffered the
loss when they were young. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the
narratives of young adults who experienced the loss of a sibling during adolescence, and
to understand the role of family, friends, and resources. This research utilized three
theoretical models: Erik Erickson’s theory of Psychosocial Development, Murray
Bowen’s theory of Family Systems, and Theresa Rando’s 6 R’s theory of loss. Eight
participants (all female) between 18 and 30 years who lost a sibling between 13 and 18
years were invited through posting in 4 closed sibling loss groups on Facebook. Using
Reissman’s thematic analysis, data from semi-structured interviews revealed five
themes: returning to school (refuge vs. struggle); being there (sources of support);
emotional separation (family, friends, and the lost sibling); identification of self/moving
forward (turning points following the loss); and family dynamics with departed and
surviving (maintaining the lost connection). Future research should intentionally sample
other demographics to broaden the understanding of sibling bereavement across age,
gender, ethnicity, and religion. Positive social change implications include efforts to
promote training and programs sensitive to the unique needs of bereaved young adults in
secondary school and college settings.
Young Adult Narratives of Sibling Loss and Bereavement during Adolescence
by
Kelly L. Collins-Colosi

MA, Marywood University, 2003
BS, Binghamton University, 2001

Dissertation Submitted in Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Health Psychology

Walden University
December 2016
Dedication
This work is dedicated to all those who have lost a sibling.
Especially, for my little sister Emily Elizabeth Collins. Truly the best sister one could
ever ask for, 3/8/1982 to 11/11/2000.
Acknowledgments
For my daughters Emma and Abby Colosi, for the love and patience you shared,
the encouragement you gave, and the time you gave away so that this dream could be
accomplished. May you always reach for the stars!
For my husband Nick, for your patience, love and support to survive this journey.
It would not have been possible without you.
For my parents Terry and Bob, for teaching me to always believe in myself and
instilling the values to never, ever give up. Without you this would not have been
possible.
To Dr. Susan Marcus, for your continued guidance, patience, and support. I truly
would have never made it thought his journey without you. Thank you for all you do,
you are a true miracle worker!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1
Background ....................................................................................................................2
Problem Statement .........................................................................................................5
Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................5
Research Questions ........................................................................................................6
Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................6
Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................9
Definitions....................................................................................................................11
Assumptions .................................................................................................................12
Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................13
Limitations ...................................................................................................................13
Significance..................................................................................................................14
Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................15
Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................16
Introduction ..................................................................................................................16
Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................18
Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................19
Erikson’s Theory of Psycho-Social Development ................................................ 19
Bowen’s Family Systems Theory ......................................................................... 21
Rando’s 6-R Model of Loss .................................................................................. 27
Sibling Bereavement Experience .................................................................................29
i
Sibling Bereavement–Type of Loss Experienced ................................................. 29
Sibling Bereavement–Effects on Behavior ........................................................... 30
Sibling Bereavement–School Performance .......................................................... 32
Sibling Bereavement-Interventions ...................................................................... 33
Limitations of Current Research ..................................................................................35
Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................36
Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................37
Introduction ..................................................................................................................37
Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................37
Role of the Researcher .......................................................................................... 39
Methodology ................................................................................................................41
Participant Selection Logic ................................................................................... 41
Sample and Sampling Strategy ............................................................................. 41
Instrumentation and Materials .............................................................................. 42
Procedures ....................................................................................................................45
Recruitment ........................................................................................................... 45
Participation .......................................................................................................... 46
Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 46
Data Analysis Plan ................................................................................................ 47
Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................47
Credibility ............................................................................................................. 47
Transferability ....................................................................................................... 48
ii
Dependability ........................................................................................................ 49
Ethical Procedures .......................................................................................................49
Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................51
Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................52
Setting ................................................................................................................... 53
Demographics of Participants ............................................................................... 56
Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 57
Interview Narratives.............................................................................................. 59
Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................72
Coding ................................................................................................................... 72
Themes .........................................................................................................................74
Returning to School .............................................................................................. 74
Being There ........................................................................................................... 76
Emotional Separation ............................................................................................ 79
Identification of Self/Moving Forward ................................................................. 82
Family Dynamics with Departed and Surviving ................................................... 84
Discrepancies in Responses and Cases ........................................................................88
Evidence of Trustworthiness........................................................................................90
Credibility ............................................................................................................. 90
Transferability ....................................................................................................... 91
Dependability ........................................................................................................ 92
Results ..........................................................................................................................92
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