What is the study about?

When a parent dies, the person raising the children afterward faces unique challenges. Unfortunately, most research about grief has only focused on married couples. We want to make sure we understand the needs of all families.

For caregivers of grieving children who weren’t the romantic partner of the parent who died (if you weren’t together as a couple) at the time of their death, please help us better understand your experience. Sharing your thoughts will help us create better resources and support for families like yours.

Who can participate?

• If you are a caregiver, parent, or guardian to at least 1 child (18 years old or younger) who has lost a parent
• If you were not together as a couple with that parent at the time of their death
• If you are at least 18 years old
• If the cause of death was a chronic illness (such as cancer, heart disease, etc.)

Examples could include:

• You’re a sibling of the parent who died, or another family member
• Raising your grandchildren after their parent has died
• Raising the children of a friend who died
• You were separated or divorced when they died, or never in a romantic relationship at all

What’s involved?

• 1 online survey (about 10 minutes)
• 1 phone interview (about 30 minutes to an hour)

We offer $20 in compensation as thanks for your time.

How do I join the study?

Please click HERE to take our 1-minute screening survey. Your information will stay confidential.

If you have questions or would like more information, you can email us at parklab@unc.edu.