Parental Loss and Family Disorganization in the Predisposition to Suicidal Behaviour

This paper reviews evidence for a strong aetiological connection between parental loss and other related forms of family disorganization to the development of suicidal behaviour.The findings of two controlled studies by the author are presented. Parental loss is shown to be a significant variable in the development of suicidal trends particularly when it leads to long term disorganization of family life. The data also demonstrates that similar family disorganization is present in attempted suicide subjects with homes technically intact, suggesting a common factor involving persistent uncertainty about the availability of adequate parental care.