Early loss experiences in psychotherapists, Church of England clergy, patients assessed for psychotherapy, and scientists and engineers

Author(s): Topham, D.

Journal/Book: Psychother Res. 1997; 7: 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012. Guilford Publications Inc. 275-300.

Abstract: An Inventory of Early Loss (IEL) has been developed for retrospective use with adults comprising loss events in childhood and unempathic parental responses to the child. Overall early loss is described by a severity score of mild, moderate, severe, or very severe. Four studies using the Inventory are described: (1) 100 Church of England clergy participating in a larger study of early loss, personality, and religious experience; (2) 114 psychotherapist members of the Society of Psychotherapy Research (UK) surveyed in a postal questionnaire; (3) 201 patients assessed for psychotherapy in Hertfordshire; and (4) 84 scientists and engineers from the faculty of Brunel University, Uxbridge. Among the clergy, 46% had overall early loss scores of very severe; for psychotherapists this figure was 27%; for NHS patients, 47%; and for scientists and engineers, only 4%. Implications for career choice in the helping professions are discussed.

Note: Article Burton MV, Flat 1, 40 Belsize Pk, London NW3 4EE, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): BORDERLINE PERSONALITY-DISORDER; CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE; PHYSICAL ABUSE; PARENT DEATH; ADULT; CHILDREN; HEALTH; TRAUMA; WOMEN; DEPRESSION

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