Does ambiguous loss apply to the normal life cycle transitions in the mother and adult/son relationship

Abstract

This qualitative study examines ambiguous loss within the mother and adult son relationship and the impact of such losses when they are not acknowledged and processed. Beginning with an overview of existing research that primarily focuses on loss in relation to death and the grieving/mourning process, the report then explores the concept of ambiguous loss and its subsequent impact on “normal” changes and transitions that occur within a mother and adult son relationship. This study is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather, to provide an adequate foundation for this review. A total of 10 subjects participated in the study, all of which are mothers of adult son(s). All subjects completed the Ambiguous Loss and Mother/Adult Son Relationship Questionnaire; five participants completed in-person interviews in order to clarify their written responses. The data suggests that ambiguous loss exists in all participants and furthermore, that life cycle transitions have a strong impact on the development of understanding for mothers; for themselves as individuals, as well as on the evolving relationships they have with their adult sons. Finally, data revealed that most participants had difficulty identifying what losses occurred and furthermore, did not know where to go to get assistance with issues.