From loss to meaning:therapeutic group processes in parental grief after pediatric cancer

Abstract

Background The death of a child due to cancer constitutes one of the most devastating experiences for parents and is associated with profound emotional, relational, and existential consequences. Pediatric psycho-oncology highlights the need for interventions that go beyond symptom reduction and address grief as a complex process involving emotional expression, social connection, and meaning reconstruction. However, qualitative research exploring parents’ lived experiences of grieffocused group therapy remains limited. Objective This study aimed to explore the impact of therapeutic group interventions on parental grief following the loss of a child to cancer, focusing on emotional adjustment, social adaptation, and processes of meaning-making. Additionally, it examined parents’ subjective perceptions of the group as a resource for grief elaboration. Method A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative design was employed. Participants were parents who had attended grieffocused therapeutic groups after the death of a child due to pediatric cancer. Data were collected through focus groups and in-depth semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify shared categories and processes of meaning emerging from participants’ narratives. Results The findings revealed interconnected processes, including a transformation from fear of emotional overwhelm to increased emotional tolerance, a reconceptualization of grief as a non-pathological and ongoing life process, and the reconstruction of the bond with the deceased child through symbolic continuity and legacy. The group emerged as a key therapeutic context characterized by mutual recognition, reciprocity, and sustained emotional support. Participation also facilitated social re-engagement, redefinition of life priorities, and greater existential coherence. Conclusions Therapeutic group interventions represent a valuable clinical resource in pediatric psycho-oncology, fostering emotional integration, relational support, and meaning reconstruction in parental grief. These findings support the relevance of group-based approaches and underscore the need for further qualitative research and the development of structured intervention models.