‘Forgotten Grievers: An Exploration of the Grief Experiences of Grandparents’

Lecturers from Department of Nursing and Health Studies; Ursula Gilrane-Mc Garry and Tom O’Grady presented the preliminary findings of their research on the grief experiences of forgotten grandparents at ‘The Forum on End of Life in Ireland’ held in Dublin recently. 

The study, funded by the ‘The Irish Hospice Foundation’ is the first study of its kind and is of huge significance, in that it is exploring the manner in which grandparents grieve the loss of their grandchildren, in addition to the identification of their needs and their required supports at this sensitive time.

Previous anecdotal literature suggests that grandparent’s grief is unique in that they experience the ‘double pain’ of loss of their grandchild in addition to observing the pain of their own adult child’s grief.

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The preliminary findings of the current study provide further insight into the nature and type of grief pain experienced by these grandparents.  Rather than ‘double pain’, the current study indicates that grandparents experience ‘cumulative pain’. What this term encapsulates is the combination of many sources of grief pain for grandparents. These are ‘the collective pain associated with their previous losses/bereavements’; ‘the pain associated with losing their grandchild’; ‘the pain/emotions associated with observing the pain of their own adult child’s grief’; ‘the pain associated with subsequent changes in their adult child’ and finally ‘pain common to all grief’, for example, the emotions of shock, resentment, helplessness and possible regrets.

Invitation to take part in the Research
Given the intensity of pain experienced by bereaved grandparents, we now need to develop a greater understanding of their needs and the supports required by them to facilitate the resolution of their pain.
There is a need for grandparent’s voices to be heard in order to influence how they are supported. Clearly, further participants would greatly enrich these findings.

We are inviting bereaved grandparents who may have lost a grandchild to take part. To date, it has primarily been grandmothers who have participated. While we still require grandmothers participation, we are keen to hear the grandfathers perspective.  Regardless of the length of time since the loss, we would be very pleased to hear the stories of grandparents who have lost a grandchild through miscarriage, stillbirth, childhood or indeed adolescence or young adulthood.

If you would like to hear about what is involved in this study or indeed share your story as a bereaved grandparent.
You will be providing us with invaluable insights which will help inform health professionals and communities about the needs of this unique population. You can be assured that your identity and any information you share will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you would like to find out more or take part in this research please contact;