The Loss of a Parent during Childhood as a Risk Factor for Depression

While the loss of a parent during childhood may put a person at risk for depression, many studies have failed to confirm the importance of this risk factor. Nevertheless, the relationship between the loss of a parent and depression is of clinical importance. This paper reviews studies of the loss of a parent as a risk factor for depression. In addition, relevant data from these studies were pooled using meta-analytic techniques. It was found that for females there was a significant association between the loss of one's mother before age 11 and depression, and that losing one's mother during early childhood may double their risk of depression.