Long-Term Psychological and Somatic Consequences of Later Life Parental Bereavement

The long-term effects of the death of an adult child were assessed in 2 waves separated by 2-1/2 years. 77 bereaved parents participated in the study. In comparison with a control group, the bereaved group had higher levels of depression. From Wave 1 to Wave 2 of assessment, health status declined at a more rapid rate for the bereaved & the higher levels of depression did not change. The meaning of the death of an adult child & the complexity of the associated bereavement process are discussed.