Finding each other during child loss. The relationship between Yearning and Partner-Specific Gratitude in Turkish Couples: A Dyadic Study

Abstract

​The loss of a child entails a very specific type of grief, which defies the order of life. This study explores the relation between yearning for a deceased child and the partner-specific gratitude bereaved parents can experience. This study was conducted among Turkish couples who experienced the loss of a child. Through dyadic research, this thesis aims to address the gap in research concerning the potential positive changes within the grieving process and how these can influence relationship dynamics. This study used the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to investigate whether individuals who experience yearning will also experience gratitude towards their partner (actor effect). Additionally, it examines whether the yearning of one’s partner influences their own partner-specific gratitude (partner effect). The results indicate a significant moderate relation between yearning and partner-specific gratitude. However, there was no evidence found for a partner effect. These findings suggest that bereaved parents could benefit from having the other one there during their grief, however, future research should explore these dynamics further for general implications in the clinical field.