In a matched controlled study of 75 suicides & 150 living cases, significantly more suicides than controls were bereaved of a parent, particularly mothers. 60% were predisposed to mental illness before bereavement. 41% received psychiatric treatment after bereavement & before suicide. Male suicides had more maternal bereavement as did singles. Females & married suicides did not differ from controls. Unmarried sons bereaved of a mother appeared more vulnerable to suicide. (JB)