Citation

Shepherd DM, Barraclough BM. Br. J. Psychiatry 1976; 129: 267-276.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

963364

Abstract

Thirty-six children between the ages of 2 and 17 bereaved by the suicide of a parent were followed up after 5 to 17 years. The children's home life before bereavement had been abnormal because of mental illness, and family disruption and pre-suicide stresses were significantly related to present functioning. An incidence of psychological morbidity greater than that of a comparison group was observed. Some children appear to cope with the experience of parental suicide without serious consequences; for a few there was relief from an insupportable situation.

Language: en