ABSTRACT
Whichever perspective one takes; evolutionary, social, psychological or biological, the bond between parent and child is usually considered to be the most significant, powerful and enduring of any human relationship. When either a parent or child dies, not only is the survivor’s grief likely to be severe but the loss presents a unique challenge to their future well-being and development (Papadatou and Papadatos, 1991). While some aspects of the parent-child relationship may be pre-programmed from conception, each unfolds and develops within a specific family, social and cultural context. Indeed, it is these wider influences which not only shape the nature and status of each relationship but also the experience and meaning for each member. While there is a considerable amount of clinical and research literature on the psychological needs of bereaved parents and children, scant attention has usually been given to cultural differences (Irish, Lundquist and Nelson, 1993).
