Association between Child Loss and Parental Depression Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between child loss and depression among middle-aged and older adults in China and whether this relationship changes over time. Methods:Data were derived from the four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2018). Depressive symptoms were measured repeatedly using the 10-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Child loss included the bereavement experience, number, sex, and duration. Multilevel linear regression modelling was used. Results:CES-D-10 scores were 1.04 higher among parents who lost their children. In contrast to parents with only deceased daughters, parents with only deceased sons or both deceased sons and daughters scored 0.67 or 1.28 higher, respectively. However, the number of deceased children was not associated with depression. the depression level gradually decreased with time and significantly higher among those who lost their children within one year to four years but this association was not significant after four years. Discussion:Child loss was associated with long-term depression among parents. However, these associations were heterogeneous for specific bereavement types. Efforts should be made to strengthen the psychological care to bereaved middle-aged and older adults.