This article discusses Palmer’s theory that if an individual loses one of their parents before they have reached age 14, there is increased possibility for suicide. The authors studied 25 in-patients aged 18-54, whom have attempted suicide. Methods of attempted suicide are provided. “Loss of parent” included death, divorce & desertion. 60% of the subjects studied had lost a parent by age 15. This result supports the possibility of the predicatability of the suicidal act. (6 refs.)