Volume 24, Issue 2
History of losses and depressive symptoms
Abstract
The importance of loss and bereavement for depression has been established in the literature. Objectives. To identify the prevalence of different kinds of losses among participants and to explore their perception of having overcome (or not) those losses and of their possible relationship with depressive symptoms (if any). Method. An incidental sample of 288 participants was assessed using the History of Loss Inventory (HLI) and the BDI-II. Results. 42.71% of the sample reported not having overcome at least one of their losses. Symptom severity correlated with the total number of losses, and with unresolved bereavement. Conclusion. To explore the history of losses might be convenient both in studies in areas where literature suggests the importance of bereavement such as depression and in therapy right from the first contact with the patient, as an issue to consider for treatment planning. The HLI is a suitable and brief instrument for that purpose.
Keywords
history of loss inventory, depression, grief, bereavement