Chronic Sorrow: Parentsʼ Lived Experience

Between joy and sorrow: being a parent of a child with developmental disability

“…1992, Johnsonius 1996, Eakes et al . 1998, Krafft & Krafft 1998, Mallow & Bechtel 1999); and classic psychoanalytic theory which influences professional interpretations of parental responses as neurotic defence mechanisms of denial, projection, repression, displacement or sublimation (Brown 1993).…”

Chronic sorrow in parents of children with newly diagnosed diabetes: a review of the literature and discussion of the implications for nursing practice

“…Phillips (1991) suggests that chronic sorrow is elicited when there is hopelessness regarding progress, cure or normalcy, as in the case of the parents of severely handicapped children in Olshansky’s original work, who face the reality of their situation everyday. This is exemplified by Krafft & Krafft (1998), health professionals and parents of a profoundly handicapped young adult, who describe experiencing recurring periods of sadness since their son’s first seizure at 2 years of age.…”

Supporting parents caring for a child with a learning disability

“…It is the art of being able to understand and feel for a family without becoming over-involved. Nurses should recognise that chronic sorrow is an understandable and 'non-neurotic response to a real-life tragedy' (Krafft and Krafft 1998). Nurses' knowledge of chronic sorrow theory can empower them to help parents make better sense of their emotions.…”

“…Conflicting opinions surrounding the advocacy role of learning disability nurses for their clients were highlighted by Llewellyn (2004). However, it is argued that the learning disability nurse should act as an advocate on behalf of the family as they may not have the stamina to seek out assistance when needed (Krafft and Krafft 1998). This was clearly illustrated in the following comment from a participant in Olsson and Hwang's (2003) study: 'The power you need to take care of the child is wasted on finding out about services…'.…”