Gender differences in parental grief

Gender differences in grief of parents who lost their child were examined using the Grief Experience Inventory. Participants were 35 bereaved couples who ranged in age from 27 to 73. Results showed that the mothers' scores were significantly higher than those of fathers on the following scales: Atypical Responses, Des[air, Anger/Hostility, Guilt, Loss of Control, Rumination, Depersonalization, Somatization, Loss of Vigor, Physical Symptoms, and Optimism/Despair. No significant differences were found on the scales of Denial, Social Desirability, Social Isolation, Death Anxiety, and Loss of Appetite. The potential usefulness of the GEI in helping the bereaved is discussed.