Retrospective Data Concerning Childhood Loss of a Parent: II Category of Parental Loss by Decade of Birth, Diagnosis and MMPI

Studies were reviewed in which childhood loss of a parent were related to adult depression & to attempted or completed suicide. Data on 1,000 patients admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit indicate significant associations between childhood parental loss & decade of birth. After data were adjusted for decade of birth & sex, there were minimal residual associations between category of parental loss & psychiatric diagnosis or MMPI high points. (23 refs.) (RM)