<p>The aim of this study was to explore the role of death in the Swedish family. How do parents and families cope with the loss of a child/sibling? How do the remaining children in a family fare after loss of sibling? The study was caused out partially through a selective review of the literature on children loss in families and partially through interviews with families who had experienced death of a child. The results were analysed with help of Family system theory, Emotional theory and with an Esoteric perspective. The findings of the study were that although families do eventually cope with the situation the majority is struggling to adjust. Open communication between family members is important and will depend on how parents cope with their own grief. How the remaining children are treated also depends on how parents cope. Sometimes communication is lacking due to fear of facing their children’s pain. The study concludes that the way we are socialized in Sweden may alienate us from death and loss. Another conclusion is that philosophy of life seems important to be able to cope with loss.</p>

The aim of this study was to explore the role of death in the Swedish family. How do parents and families cope with the loss of a child/sibling? How do the remaining children in a family fare after loss of sibling? The study was caused out partially through a selective review of the literature on children loss in families and partially through interviews with families who had experienced death of a child. The results were analysed with help of Family system theory, Emotional theory and with an Esoteric perspective. The findings of the study were that although families do eventually cope with the situation the majority is struggling to adjust. Open communication between family members is important and will depend on how parents cope with their own grief. How the remaining children are treated also depends on how parents cope. Sometimes communication is lacking due to fear of facing their children’s pain. The study concludes that the way we are socialized in Sweden may alienate us from death and loss. Another conclusion is that philosophy of life seems important to be able to cope with loss.