The aftermath of parental suicide for children.
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.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001364:Awareness; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D013405:Suicide