GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PARENTAL GRIEF

Gender differences in grief of parents who lost their child were exami ned using the Grief Experience Inventory. Participants were 35 bereave d couples who ranged in age from 27 to 73. Results showed that the mot hers' scores were significantly higher than those of fathers on the fo llowing scales: Atypical Responses, Des[air, Anger/Hostility, Guilt, L oss of Control, Rumination, Depersonalization, Somatization, Loss of V igor, Physical Symptoms, and Optimism/Despair. No significant differen ces were found on the scales of Denial, Social Desirability, Social Is olation, Death Anxiety, and Loss of Appetite. The potential usefulness of the GEI in helping the bereaved is discussed.