Long-term impact of early maternal loss on females.

Abstract

Loss is a universal experience. While it remains a uniquely personal experience, bereavement is often central to psychological distress in the lives of many people. The present article presents a review of the theory and research around an area of bereavement and distress that has, as yet, not been adequately addressed. The area in question is early childhood loss and the long-term effects on the physical and mental health of bereaved children ? especially girls. From this, the state of current research in this area within an Irish context is illuminated.