LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF A FAMILY HISTORY OF TRAUMATIC DEATH ON ADOLESCENT INDIVIDUATION

The direct and transgenerational effects of traumatic loss on current functioning were examined in college students. Subjects were divided into three groups based on the types of deaths that occurred in their extended families over three generations; distinctions were made between traumatic and nontraumatic (or normative) deaths and whether or not the deaths occurred during the subjects' own lifetimes. As expected, subjects directly affected by traumatic deaths during their lifetimes reported more psychological distress, less individuation from parents, and poorer college adjustment than control subjects. Transgenerational effects (i.e., sequelae of deaths occurring prior to the subject's brith) were not detected. The findings offered support for a model of family development that describes the impact of loss on the processes of individuation and family reorganization. It was concluded that traumatic death interferred with the family's ability to negotiate the developmental tasks involved in ''launching'' a young adult member.