Losing a Parent Is It Harder for Boys?

Losing a Parent Is It Harder for Boys?

The Challenges Boys Face After Losing a Parent

Losing a parent is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences a person can go through, and it can have long-lasting impacts on their mental health, income, and employment opportunities. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, boys may face even greater difficulties than girls following the death of a parent.

The study, conducted by Petri Böckerman and his colleagues from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, collected data on nearly 1 million Finns born between 1971 and 1986. By the age of 31, approximately 15% of the participants had lost a parent, with fewer than 5% losing their mother and nearly 12% losing their father.

Researchers found that those who lost a parent before the age of 21 had higher odds of hospital admission for mental health issues compared to those who lost a parent after the age of 30. Interestingly, boys seemed to be more vulnerable than girls. Men were 70% more likely to be hospitalized, while women faced a 52% increased risk. Substance use disorders and intentional self-harm were the most common reasons for hospitalization.

Boys and young men who lost their mothers before the age of 21 had nearly triple the odds of hospital admission for intentional self-harm compared to those who lost their mothers later in life. On the other hand, girls and young women who lost their fathers before the age of 21 were about twice as likely to develop a substance use disorder. Losing a mother early in life was also linked to an 88% increase in stress disorders.

The emotional toll of losing a parent also affected medication use for mental health problems among both genders. Those who experienced parental loss had 18% to 33% higher medication usage compared to those who hadn’t lost a parent. Additionally, sick leave was more common among individuals who had lost a parent before the age of 21.

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Aside from the mental health implications, the impact of losing a parent extended to education, income, and employment opportunities. Those who experienced parental loss before the age of 21 had fewer years of schooling, lower annual earnings, and more periods of unemployment between the ages of 26 and 30.

Interestingly, girls who lost their mothers experienced the largest reduction in years of schooling, losing more than half of an academic year. For boys, the effects on earnings and employment were more severe. Losing a father resulted in a nearly 17% reduction in annual earnings and a 6% lower likelihood of regular employment. The corresponding percentages for women were 11% and 4%, respectively.

The study’s findings highlight the need for support systems that specifically address the challenges faced by boys who have lost a parent. Grief counseling, mental health services, and educational interventions can play a crucial role in helping these individuals navigate the emotional and practical difficulties associated with their loss.

While losing a parent is an immensely sorrowful experience regardless of gender, understanding the unique struggles that boys face can help tailor interventions and support systems to address their specific needs.

It is important for families, communities, and policymakers to prioritize providing resources and support for these individuals during this vulnerable period of their lives. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges faced by boys who have lost a parent, we can help them heal and rebuild their lives, ensuring a brighter future for their mental health, education, and employment opportunities.

More Information

The Good Grief Trust offers resources and support for coping with the loss of a parent.

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