Differences in bereavement reactions within couples following death of a child

Abstract

Differences in distress within couples who have experienced the sudden death of a child were examined. Results from two independent samples (N = 50 couples and N = 60 couples) were compared. The SCL-90-R and the BSI were used to measure global psychological distress and distress in nine symptom dimensions. Paired t tests revealed similar findings in the two samples: Within couples, women had significantly greater global distress than men and significantly greater distress than men in most symptom dimensions. Hostility scores within couples were similar and indicated a high level of hostility. The findings may explain relational problems observed within bereaved couples. Interventions designed to help couples cope with their differences and their hostility may decrease relational problems.

Poor psychological wellbeing particularly in mothers following sudden cardiac death in the young

“…Mothers often invest more time and resources into children, in many cases being primary carers, and this has been previously suggested to explain a more marked and prolonged grief response in other settings. 17,18 Further, our finding is consistent with the clinical scenario we are often presented with, stemming from the ingrained role of the mother to protect and nurture her child and, in this setting, they perceive they have failed in this most critical responsibility. A sense of failed parental duties has previously been shown to cause lasting impairments in psychological functioning.…”

Predictors of Maternal Grief in the Year after a Newborn Death

“…Although not evident here, much of this relationship might be explained by the discordant nature of the grief process in many couples. As observed by Moriarty, Carroll, and Cotroneo (1996), "Differences within couples in the intensity of many bereavement responses . .…”

Fathers' Grief When a Disabled Child Dies

“…A number of studies comparing the influence of gender upon grief following the death of a child (regardless of child's age or cause of death) report that mothers grieve more intensely and longer than fathers (Kavanaugh, 1997;Lang & Gottleib, 1993;Moriarity et al, 1996;Schwab,1996;Thomas & Striegel,1993Zeanah et al,1995). Vance et al (1995) found that whereas fathers show briefer and less intense anxiety and depression reactions than mothers, they more often used alcohol to cope following the death of a child.…”