A Comparison of Guilt in Bereaved Parents Whose Children Died by Suicide, Accident, or Chronic Disease

Based on a model of bereavement guilt developed by the authors, this study assessed the frequency of guilt feelings, explored their sources, & compared the guilt experiences of 132 parents whose children died by suicide, accident or chronic disease. Guilt feelings were reported by 92% of suicide bereaved parents. Furthermore, 34% of the suicide bereaved parents reported that guilt was the most distressing aspect of their grief. Implications of the findings for clinical practice are discussed.