A mixed methods scoping review of the effects of loss during childhood across the lifespan: A protocol paper

Background

Caregiver loss during childhood is a significant but understudied childhood adversity and a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. However, a review and comparison of short and long-term outcomes by type of caregiver loss has not been conducted. We define caregiver loss to encompass multiple experiences during childhood, including caregiver death or the prolonged or permanent separation from a living caregiver.

Objective

This protocol paper describes the mixed methods scoping review methodology that will be used to summarize the effects of, as well as risk and protective factors across the lifespan, for different types of caregiver loss during childhood. Risk and protective factors will be documented as available.

Participants and setting

No restrictions will be made based on study design, geography, race or ethnicity of populations.

Methods

We will draw from Arksey and O’Malley’s formal methodological framework. Predefined terms will be used to search four multidisciplinary databases including: PubMed (biomedical), Academic Search Complete, PsychInfo, and CINAHL. Peer-reviewed and grey literature-based empirical studies in English published between 2000 and 2025 will be included. Citation screening of eligible articles will be conducted. Any identified special issue journals will be searched for additional literature.

Results

Data from eligible articles will be extracted and charted in tabular format and summarized to provide an overview of adverse outcomes and contextualization (i.e., risk and protective factors).

Conclusion

This multidisciplinary search strategy will allow for a critical review of the adverse lifetime effects of loss of a caregiver during childhood and a discourse of best practices to prevent development or worsening of sequalae.