Loss and Grief between and Among Cultures: The Experience of Third Culture Kids

Abstract

This study explored the loss and grief experiences of third culture kids (TCKs), persons who accompanied their parents to live all or part of their childhood outside the country for which they hold a passport. The study used a qualitative, naturalistic design, incorporating interview and e-mail data collection. Forty-three TCKs participated in the study. Among the findings of the study are: losses that TCKs experience are often ambiguous and the grief of TCKs is frequently disenfranchised. Many of the losses (both hidden and recognized) were categorized as related to persons, places, pets, and possessions. In addition, existential losses, particularly the loss of meaning related to various aspects of themselves, were identified. More specifically, these existential losses focused on safety and trust, the loss personal identity, and the loss of home.