2 groups, each of 16 mothers who had lost a son to suicide & car accidents, respectively, were studied. The history of loss & early separation experiences were investigated through a clinical interview of the bereaved mothers & through a psychological autopsy of the sons. Results indicate significant transgenerational indices of loss, separation & inadequate child-rearing. Pre-death life events & adversities in the family may be as important to bereavement outcome as post-death happenings.