A qualitative study of the impact of spousal death on changed parenting practices of Iranian single parent widows

الملخص EN

Background : while it is expected, different causes to decision making accept parenting responsibility and parenting style based on the single parenthood occurs as a result death of the spouse, it has not been clearly articulated.

Therefore, we explored the parenting experiences of Iranian single-parent widows who keep custody of their children after their spouses die.

Method : in this descriptive, exploratory study in-depth interviews were held with 24 Iranian single-parent widows.

The data generated were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Result : preliminary results indicated four main thematic categories : (a) development of a paradoxical identity : a hopeless widow vs.

a hopeful mother, (b) submerging self in custody role vs.

staying from widow role, (c) sentimental parenting and, (d) paradoxical evaluation : fruitful for children vs.

fruitless for self.

Conclusion : the results indicate that single-parenting after the death of the spouse is a difficult experience.

Sentimental parenting practices, related to maladjustment with spousal death and roles transformation is a risk for the health of widow-single parents, so they need to be supported by health care delivery and social welfare systems to cope with their life after spousal death.