Sense of self, depression and adaption to grief, in emerging adults who suffered parental loss

The death of a parent is a traumatic event usually accompanied by profound grief and psychological challenges. This study explored some of the factors which may predict sense of self, depression and adaption to grief in 328 parentally bereaved emerging adults. Our findings revealed a presence of pathological grief among young adults. The results also highlighted a strong negative relationship between sense of self and depression. Furthermore, depression was accounted for by sense of self, adaption to grief and time since loss of the parent/s. Interventions for parentally bereaved emerging adults should aim at strengthening their sense of self, for example through boosting resilience, social and professional support, meaningful relationships and ameliorative lifestyle changes.

This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Current Psychology. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01843-z