Abstract

Background and Objectives

The death of a child may be one of the most stressful events for parents to experience. This study aims to assess how the death of a child prior to midlife is associated with the mental health of parents in later life, and how this association is contingent upon religious belief in a divine plan.

Research Design and Methods

Using data from aging parents (aged 65 and older) in the six waves (2006-2016) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we conducted negative binomial regression analyses to examine the main effects of the death of a child prior to midlife on late-life depressive symptoms, and the buffering effect of religious beliefs on this main effect (N = 8,248). Growth curve modeling was used to analyze the trajectories of depressive symptoms (Obs. = 31,088).

Results

Experiencing the death of a child prior to midlife is positively associated with depressive symptoms among older adults. Yet, the association is mitigated among respondents who exhibit a high level of belief in a divine plan at baseline. Further, a gradual decline in the number of depressive symptoms over time was observed among the bereaved parents who reported a high level of belief in a divine plan.

Discussion and Implications

Belief in a divine plan has a protective effect on older adults who cope with the aftermath of child loss. The findings in the study advance our knowledge about the complex interrelationships among stress, religion, and mental health in later life.

中文翻译：

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孩子的死亡、宗教和晚年的心理健康

摘要

背景和目标

孩子的死亡可能是父母经历的最紧张的事件之一。本研究旨在评估儿童在中年之前的死亡与父母晚年的心理健康有何关联，以及这种关联如何取决于对神圣计划的宗教信仰。

研究设计和方法

使用健康与退休研究 (HRS) 六波 (2006-2016) 中年迈父母（65 岁及以上）的数据，我们进行了负二项式回归分析，以检验儿童在中年之前死亡的主要影响关于晚年抑郁症状，以及宗教信仰对这一主效应的缓冲作用（N  = 8,248）。生长曲线模型用于分析抑郁症状的轨迹 ( Obs. = 31,088)。

结果

在中年之前经历儿童的死亡与老年人的抑郁症状呈正相关。然而，在基线时对神圣计划表现出高度信念的受访者中，这种关联有所减轻。此外，在报告高度相信神圣计划的失去亲人的父母中，观察到抑郁症状的数量随着时间的推移逐渐下降。

讨论和启示

对神圣计划的信仰对应对失去孩子后果的老年人具有保护作用。研究中的发现提高了我们对晚年压力、宗教和心理健康之间复杂相互关系的认识。