Depressive Syndrome in Children Entering a Residential School Subsequent to Parent Death, Divorce, or Separation

A sample (N = 105) of boys (78%) and girls 8–16 years old, who had experienced loss of one or both parents (death, divorce, or separation), were studied for depressive syndrome both on admission to a private residential school and 9 months later. At baseline, 31% were identified as depressed based on the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). At follow-up, this baseline depressed group had significantly more houseparent discipline and major subject failures. At both times, the depressed group scores were significantly higher on the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale and houseparent and teacher Child Behavior Checklists. The authors conclude that the CDI permits early identification of children in an at-risk population who are experiencing a depressive syndrome associated with subsequent poor adjustment in residential school.