This paper addresses itself to whether a causal relationship exists between childhood bereavement and later behavior disorders. The literature on the subject is reviewed, and the substantive findings and methodological problems of previous research are reported. In addition, the preliminary findings of an exploratory study conducted at the University of Minnesota are presented. These relate to two extensive followup studies undertaken in 1956-7 and 1960-6, based on original data obtained by Hathaway and Monachesi in 1954 of samples of ninth grade students in Minnesota. Indications were that bereavement in childhood may affect adult behavior with regard to marital status and number of offenses committed against the law. The prophylactic value of such followup studies is discussed. (Author/KS)