Depressive Symptoms among Parentally Bereaved Youth: The Role of the Remaining Parent

Abstract

Even though parentally bereaved children are at risk of depression, not much is known about specific risk factors for depressive symptoms in this group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify factors of the remaining parent associated with depressive symptoms in parentally bereaved youth. Specifically, we studied the role of parental internalizing problems (depression and anxiety) and positive parenting (warmth and autonomy support). The role of gender was examined in an exploratory manner. The sample consisted of 190 help-seeking parentally bereaved children and adolescents aged 8-18 (Mage=12.44, 56.8% girls) and their remaining parent. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Results suggest that parental internalizing problems are not associated with depressive symptoms among parentally bereaved youth, but positive parenting is. Children whose parent shows more positive parenting, have fewer depressive symptoms. No gender differences were found. Therefore, it might be helpful to target parental warmth and autonomy support in interventions for parentally bereaved children with depressive symptoms. Further research using prospective longitudinal designs is necessary to study these associations more in-depth.