Older Parents of Missing-in-Action Martyrs: A Grounded Theory of Incomplete Grief

Not knowing whether a loss has occurred imposes a profound burden on families. To explore lived experiences of older Iranian parents of missing-in-action martyrs and develop an explanatory grounded theory of their grief. Using Corbin and Strauss’s grounded theory approach, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 older parents in central Iran. Data were obtained via purposive and theoretical sampling and analyzed using constant comparative methods. The core concern was a persistent state of uncertainty—termed “endless grief”—manifesting as a cyclical tension between hope and despair in the absence of a body or grave. The central phenomenon, labeled “Incomplete Grief in the Shadow of Hope,” integrated key categories: waiting and searching; informational contradictions; ineffective institutional and social support; maintenance of symbolic bonds with the martyr; acceptance and spirituality; and diverse coping strategies. Coping ranged from adaptive (reliance on spirituality, family responsibilities) to maladaptive (social withdrawal, suppression), often providing temporary relief while sustaining hope. Unresolved grief produced psychological, social, emotional, and physical consequences, including depression, anxiety, isolation, strained relationships, and declining health. Findings align with and extend ambiguous loss theory by showing how grief can be socially, spiritually, and institutionally maintained over time. The results underscore the need for culturally sensitive, age-appropriate interventions that acknowledge unresolved loss and support dignity and emotional well-being in later life.