The Effectiveness of Coping Resources and Strategies Used by Bereaved Parents 1 and 5 Years After the Violent Deaths of Their Children

This study examined the effectiveness of coping resources & strategies by following 173 bereaved parents prospectively for 5 years after their childrenÕs deaths by accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined violence. Using hierarchical multiple regression procedures, it was examined how 3 predictors influenced parentsÕ mental distress & post-traumatic stress disorder: self-esteem, active/affective coping, & repressive coping. The results showed that at 1 & 5 years post death, self-esteem was a significant predictor of mental distress & post-traumatic stress disorder. (LC) (49 refs)