The empty space phenomenon: The process of grief in the bereaved family

Forty-nine families who experienced a death following childhood cancer were interviewed 7–9 years after the death. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory technique for qualitative data for the purpose of examining the long-term responses of families to childhood death. In contrast to bereavement theories which claim that grief is usually resolved within two years, findings of this study suggest that many parents and siblings still experience pain and loss after 7–9 years. Analysis suggests that the death of a child creates an “empty space” for surviving family members. Three patterns of grieving were described by family members in response to this sense of emptiness: “getting over it,” “filling the emptiness,” and “keeping the connection.” Differences and similarities of these patterns are enumerated. The perceived significance of the relationship to the pattern of grief is hypothesized. Situations which stimulate a recurrence or continuation of the “empty space” are suggested and changes over time in the bereavement process are described. Further research implications are proposed.