ERIC Number: EJ962035
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1532-5024
EISSN: N/A
Final Conversations, Phase 2: Children and Everyday Communication
Keeley, Maureen; Baldwin, Paula
Journal of Loss and Trauma, v17 n4 p376-387 2012
This qualitative study examined messages of everyday communication (small talk and routine interactions). The importance of these messages was highlighted in light of their role in creating structure, safety, and meaning making in the family at the end of life. In addition, family rituals that developed from children's everyday communication were explored and discussed. Retrospective interviews were completed with children. Descriptions of small talk topics revolved around school, daily activities, sporting events, and shared experiences about mutual hobbies. Routine interactions included reading bedtime stories, doing chores together, and doing other everyday activities with one another. Interviews demonstrated that everyday communication helped children make sense of the death of their loved one. These innocuous, common, and routine behaviors also gave children avenues for humor and positive talk and provided comfort, a sense of security, and normalcy during the family's negotiation of the death of a loved one.
Descriptors: Interpersonal Communication, Death, Behavior Patterns, Repetition, Terminal Illness, Family Relationship, Family Role, Qualitative Research, Coping, Defense Mechanisms, Semi Structured Interviews, Childhood Attitudes, Adolescent Attitudes, Security (Psychology), Personal Narratives, Humor, Parent Child Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A