Participants required for study into the death of parents

Researchers at Western Sydney University are looking for participants for a study exploring the long-term experiences of losing a parent during childhood. 

There is a growing body of knowledge regarding childhood loss and grief, but little is known about adults who have lived with childhood parental death and their subsequent parenting experiences.

To better understand this sensitive issue, researchers from the School of Nursing and Midwifery are inviting parents who have experienced childhood parental death to share their experiences. 

Lead Researcher Dr Gill Murphy says the study will give a voice to those who may have lived with long standing grief. 

"This study will generate significant new information about helpful responses for children who experience the unfortunate death of a parent," says Dr. Murphy.

"This new knowledge will highlight potential interventions to support children and adults in their journeys of loss and recovery."

"It will also be relevant for health and social care professionals who are working with families who lost a parent."

The research team is calling for participants who are happy to meet with Dr. Murphy, to take part in the study. 

In particular, the researchers are looking for English speaking adults who lost a parent as a child and who are now a parent themselves. 

For more information please contact Dr. Gill Murphy on email g.murphy@westernsydney.edu.au or (02) 4570 1280

Ends

3 August 2016

Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer