Parental Death During Childhood and Its Effects on Adulthood: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: The death of a parent during childhood is a profound adverse experience with the potential to influence development across the life course. Although a growing body of research has examined the long-term consequences of childhood parental bereavement, findings remain fragmented across disciplines, outcomes, and cultural contexts. Objective: This scoping review aimed to map          and synthesize existing evidence on the long-term adult outcomes associated with childhood parental death, with particular attention to mental health, psychosocial well-being, relational functioning, physical health, and socioeconomic attainment. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible studies examined parental death occurring before 18 years of age and assessed outcomes in adulthood. Data were charted and synthesized descriptively, and outcomes were organized into thematic domains. Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods designs. The literature clustered around five broad adult outcome domains: psychological and psychiatric outcomes, psychosocial well-being, relational and family outcomes, physical health and mortality, and coping and meaning-making processes. Findings indicated elevated risks for depression, anxiety, loneliness, and relationship difficulties, as well as disadvantages in education and economic attainment. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed, with many individuals demonstrating long-term adaptation and resilience. Outcomes varied according to age at loss, gender of the deceased parent and child, cause of death, and sociocultural context.