Life After Losing an Adult Child to a Drug Overdose: A Kawa Perspective

Credentials Display

Aaron Weis, OTD, MOT, OTR/L; Julie Kugel, OTD, MOT, OTR/L; Heather Javaherian, OTD, OTR/L; Jessica De Brun, OTD, MOT, OTR/L

Abstract

Background: Limited research is available to occupational therapy practitioners focusing on parents’ abilities to cope with the loss of an adult child to a drug overdose. We examined the unique experiences of grieving parents from a Kawa model perspective to identify potential implications for occupational therapy.

Methods: We used a qualitative approach in which 11 participants completed Kawa drawings and participated in semi-structured interviews.

Results: Following a Kawa model analysis themes emerged: volatile nature of flow, support from inner circle and connection with outer circle, lonely islands, personal attributes of positivity and economics, and enhancing my river’s flow.

Conclusion: The loss of an adult child to a drug overdose presents health care professionals with a unique set of grieving circumstances, including changes in life roles and abilities to participate in occupations, which can be challenging to address. As a result, this study suggests the Kawa model is an effective assessment tool that should be considered for use when working with those grieving the loss of a child to a drug overdose.

Recommended Citation

Weis, A., Kugel, J. D., Javaherian-Dysinger, H., & De Brun, J. N. (2019). Life After Losing an Adult Child to a Drug Overdose: A Kawa Perspective. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7(3), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1488