Deprivation in childhood and life events in depression

The study reported in this article is part of a larger investigation of life events and depression approached from a multifactorial point of view. In total 83 patients, participating in a larger study of depression, have also participated in a study of parental rearing practices and of life events in relation to the onset of depression. From these patients information has also been obtained concerning the loss of a parent before the age of 15. In the present study patients (n = 33) who had been reared by rejecting mothers have been compared for the report of life events with patients (n = 28) reared by fewer stressful events than stimulated patients before becoming depressed. The results supported this hypothesis to some extent. In fact, the rejected patients reported that they experienced fewer events, however categorized than the stimulated ones. In this series 11 patients had lost one parent before the age of 15. No significant or otherwise consistent differences were found compared with those patients who had not lost parents during childhood. The results related to rearing practice are discussed in terms of individual vulnerability. Alternative explanations are also mentioned.