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A Father's response to the birth and death of a multi‐handicapped child
Author(s) -
Marburg Galen S.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0355(198521)6:1<5::aid-imhj2280060103>3.0.co;2-6
Subject(s) - developmental psychology , psychology
The birth of a multi‐handicapped child frequently creates a series of unexpected problems for the extended family constellation. This article focuses on the personal responses of a father as he discovers, experiences, and accepts the trauma associated with complex medical interventions designed to preserve the precarious existence of a handicapped child. As the medical procedures ultimately prove to be ineffectual, the impact of the child's death upon the immediate family also is traced in a highly personal manner. Throughout this chronicle, the meaning of pain and love are intertwined in a deepening understanding and appreciation of life.