Using existing dataset B3837
Children exposed to trauma during their early childhood are at a higher risk of early onset of mental disorders. Bereavement is one of the most prevalent adversities that children face. Empirical literature has highlighted child bereavement to be associated with lower emotional, behavioural, and social wellbeing during adolescence. Early to mid-adolescence is a critical developmental period for the onset and maintenance of psychopathology. A combination of personal attributes, family circumstances, and the nature of supportive networks outside the immediate family are found to be crucial for resilience when faced with early life trauma such as loss. Yet, little research has examined protective factors for children that have experienced bereavement and of those that have, there is limited understanding of the role of amenable maternal factors in improving mental health outcomes. Identifying modifiable maternal factors that may contribute to the development of resilience in children who have been exposed to childhood loss provides opportunity for early intervention. Therefore, the current study aims to examine whether modifiable maternal factors mediate the relationship between child bereavement and internalising or externalising problems during adolescence and early adulthood.