Does Interpersonal Vulnerability Mediate the Association Between Parental Bereavement and Mental Health?

Abstract

The current study examined the role of interpersonal vulnerability, that is, self-perceived threats to one’s interpersonal domain, in the mental health of bereaved parents. Israeli bereaved parents in older adulthood ( N = 105, aged 48–88, M = 64.06, SD = 9.93) were pair-matched with equivalent 105 non-bereaved parents. Participants completed questionnaires assessing interpersonal vulnerability, satisfaction with life, and depressive symptoms. The results showed higher levels of interpersonal vulnerability among bereaved parents compared to their non-bereaved counterparts. Additionally, parental bereavement and interpersonal vulnerability were associated with worse mental health. Finally, interpersonal vulnerability mediated the association of parental bereavement with worse mental health. This study reveals interpersonal vulnerability as an important vulnerability factor among a significant minority in older adulthood.