The Psychological Effects of Sudden Infant Death on Grandmothers and Grandfathers

This study examined the psychological & social impact of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) on 80 grandmothers & grandfathers. For most grandparents, SIDS was a devastating experience. Feelings of disbelief, anger, guilt, depression, anxiety, concern for the surviving parents & siblings, exhaustion & bitterness were commonly expressed. 4% of the grandparents in this study contemplated suicide because of the death of their grandchild but none reported trying to kill themselves. (19 refs.)