Year: 2005 Source: Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, v.43, no.3, (March 2005), p.22-28 SIEC No: 20090558

This phenomenological study describes & enhances the understanding of what life is like for 6 mothers living with suicidal adolescents. Data were collected through unstructured interviews. Thematic analysis identified six themes: failure as a good mother, the ultimate rejection, feeling alone in the struggle, helplessness & powerlessness in the struggle, cautious parenting, & keeping an emotional distance. From these themes, the essence, “multiple loss & unresolved grief” was captured. The findings have implicaitons for nursing education, practice, & research. (14 refs.)