Views of Death from Sufferers of Early Loss

Abstract

There exists a strong relationship between early parental loss and later depression and suicide. But what are the factors which mediate this relationship? An exploration of the death themes elicited by the T.A.T. from participants who had suffered the early loss of a parent suggests some possible answers. Results show that those who have sustained early losses are more easily reminded of the theme of death than those who have not. Further, they tend to structure the theme of death in a cognitively remote fashion. This tendency may indicate an unusual need for protection against the thought of death and may actually lessen the individual's ability to ward off death. It is recommended that attention be paid to the individual's affective and cognitive responses to death and that denial of death no longer be viewed as an inevitable aspect of the human condition.