Table 2 Categories and subcategories of the main theme “Emotional upheaval, the Essence of Anticipatory Grief”
Main theme | Categories | Subcategories | Condensed units |
|---|---|---|---|
Emotional upheaval | Immediate reactions | Shock | The taboo of life-threatening illness, the trauma that changes the whole life in an instant, wishing that the current situation were just a dream, the inability to understand the meaning and spiritual distress |
Irritability | Not tolerating uncertainty, being angry with the illness, an excuse to release one’s inner pressure, poor quality services provided by the health system, medical staff’s being inconsiderate, the heavy burden of care, the changes in family responsibilities and roles | ||
Delayed reactions (emotional scar) | Fear of loss | Fear of losing the sick child, fear of losing other children | |
Feeling of guilt | Blaming oneself for not providing proper care, cultural beliefs regarding mother’s atonement for her sins | ||
Uncertainty | Inability to explain the meaning of illness-related events, the child’s unclear future, inability to predict illness outcomes | ||
Hopelessness | Feeling of worthlessness, being unmotivated, false delight | ||
Loneliness and isolation | Others’ lack of understanding of their unique condition, withdrawal from social activities to prevent the deterioration of complications, depression, emotional frigidity, crying and wailing, sense of not belonging, an opportunity to pray, the lack of social supportive resources | ||
Mourning without coffin | Bidding frequent unanswered farewells to the child, early embracing of mourning ceremonies and rituals, the hope of reunion in the afterlife, surrendering to fate and destiny |