Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Nathan Moran

Abstract

Globally, the adult population 65 and older is anticipated to grow, signaling the necessity of awareness of late-life issues and concerns. Although research has shown that losses and changes in late life are anticipated, there is very little empirical evidence of how HSPs direct care professionals understand, assess, or perceive the complexities of cumulative grief and loss in their 65 and older clients. Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory (CGT) (2014) was used as the conceptual framework a qualitative methodology to explore the understanding, assessment, and perception of the complexities of late-life cumulative grief and loss of HSPs working with adults 65 and older. Recruitment occurred by placing flyers in identified partner organizations and approved social media groups and by snowball sampling. After informed consent received, prescreening tool completed telephone interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed with 15 HSPs working with at least one adult client 65 and older. Coding was conducted using hand analysis at three intervals: initial, focused, and theoretical coding. Theoretical coding identified connection as essential concept. Bowlby’s (1970) attachment theory emerged as the most appropriate theory to explain how connection and attachment in late life. This study can be used to help guide and educate HSPs working with adults 65 and older and help understand the role of attachment in addressing the complexities of cumulative grief and loss in late-life. When the needs of adults 65 and older are met, and the most effective practices are exercised by professionals working directly with them, positive social change can occur that promotes successful aging.

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