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Morstead T, Rights JD, Sin NL, DeLongis A. Predictors of Complicated Grief During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Classified Analysis. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241239698. [PMID: 38713060 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241239698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic left many people grieving multiple deaths and at risk for developing symptoms of complicated grief (CG). The present study is a prospective examination of the role of neuroticism and social support in the development of CG symptoms. Findings from cross-classified multilevel models pointed to neuroticism as a risk factor for subsequent CG symptoms. Social support had a stress-buffering effect, emerging as a protective factor following the loss of a first degree relative. More recent loss and younger age of the deceased were both independently associated with heightened CG symptoms. Results from the present study provide insight into heterogeneity in CG symptom development at the between-person level, and variability in CG symptoms within individuals in response to different deaths. Findings could therefore aid in the identification of those at risk for the development of CG symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Morstead
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason D Rights
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nancy L Sin
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anita DeLongis
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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2
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Lamba N, Longkoi KT. Journey Towards a Meaningful Life: Adaptation and Resilience in the Lives of Young Hindu Widows. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241235428. [PMID: 38389184 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241235428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Spousal death is a life-altering and traumatic life event in married life, compelling the surviving partner to transition and make substantial adjustments to their new life situation. Losing a spouse can affect individuals differently based on gender, impacting their psychological, social, and economic well-being. This article describes adaptation to a new life condition as widows strive to reconcile their roles, status, and identity while binding their resilience to direct their lives. This study explored the lives of 17 young Hindu widows in rural and semi-urban areas of Haryana, India. Using personal face-to-face interviews and purposive sampling, it captured their unique life stories. After losing their spouses, participants showed impressive resilience, reshaping their lives and identities. They navigated challenges firmly, emphasising personal commitment over social support for effective adaptation. It highlights a need for better support systems for widows, offering potential pathways to enhance their post-loss well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Lamba
- Department of Arts, St Xavier's College Jaipur, Jaipur, India
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3
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Williams C. The Relationship Between Perceived Parental Competence and Bereavement Outcomes in Widows With Young Children. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231186354. [PMID: 37392189 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231186354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Adjustment to bereavement, while a normative life experience, is one that impacts every aspect of life. Widows with young children face the unique challenge of managing both their grief and the grief of their child while also redefining roles, responsibilities, and resources. This study used a cross-sectional survey method to explore the relationship between perceived parental competence and bereavement outcomes in widows with young children (n = 232). Participants completed study measures including a demographic survey, the Revised Grief Experience Inventory, and the Parental Sense of Competence Scale. Results indicate that the constructs of competence, parenting self-efficacy and parental satisfaction, were directly correlated to decreased grief experiences. Additionally, grief experiences were found to be higher in widows reporting lower levels of education, those who were not currently in a relationship, and those who had more children to care for. This study highlights the potential that perceived parental competence has to influence the grief experience for widows and their bereaved children.
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Foong HF, Hamid TA, Ibrahim R, Bagat MF. The Moderating Roles of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religiosity on the Relationship between Social Networks and Flourishing: A Study on Community-Dwelling Widowed Older Adults in Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091300. [PMID: 37174842 PMCID: PMC10178463 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Widowhood affects the social networks and well-being of older adults. Religion might moderate the relationship between a stressor and well-being. This study aimed to identify the moderating roles of intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity on the relationship between social networks and flourishing among widowed older people and whether this relationship varied across gender. This study involved 655 community-dwelling widowed older Malaysians from Wave 1 (2012-2013) of "Identifying Psychosocial Risks and Quantifying the Economic Costs of Age-Related Cognitive Decline among Older Malaysians" in Peninsula Malaysia. The moderated hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the moderating roles of religiosity. Results showed that the moderating effect of religiosity on the relationship between social networks and flourishing was only observed for extrinsic religiosity, not intrinsic religiosity. In terms of gender differences, extrinsic religiosity moderated the relationship between social networks, flourishing only among widows but not widowers. Widows with low levels of extrinsic religiosity should join activities or programs that could expand their social networks to promote higher well-being despite widowhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Foh Foong
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Aizan Hamid
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rahimah Ibrahim
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Fazdillah Bagat
- Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeingTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Tzeng HJ, Lee CB, Chen CT, Lee MC. Trajectories of Instrumental and Emotional Social Support and the Associated Risk of Mortality in Bereaved Older Adults in Taiwan. Res Aging 2022:1640275221144251. [DOI: 10.1177/01640275221144251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study identified the trajectories of instrumental and emotional perceived social support (PSS) from 1996 to 2003 and investigated the associated risk of mortality in bereaved older adults in Taiwan. The study analyzed 1,188 bereaved older adults who had experienced loss of a spouse, a child, or both before 1996 from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging. More favorable trajectories of PSS are associated with lower mortality risk in bereaved older adults. Compared with the spousal or dual bereavement, the parental bereavement benefited more from consistently high instrumental PSS. The present study revealed that consistently high emotional PSS had a stronger protective effect on mortality risk for a widow or widower than did consistently high instrumental support. The findings of this study can serve as an empirical reference to inform social policies and clinical practices for bereaved older adults in culturally similar societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Jia Tzeng
- Department of Social Welfare, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Min-Sheng Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiachi Bonnie Lee
- Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Tsung Chen
- School of Information Engineering, Sanming University, Fujian, China
| | - Miaw-Chwen Lee
- Department of Social Welfare, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Center for Innovative Research on Aging Society, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High-tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
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6
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Asselmann E, Specht J. Dramatic effects but fast adaptation: Changes in life satisfaction and different facets of affective well-being around the death of a partner and death of a child. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2022; 15:451-465. [PMID: 35895084 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although everyone would agree that bereavement is extremely stressful, surprisingly little is known about changes in different facets of affective well-being in the years surrounding the death of a loved one. On the basis of the Socio-Economic Panel Study, we examined changes in cognitive well-being (life satisfaction) and different facets of affective well-being (happiness, sadness, anxiety, and anger) in the years around the death of a partner (N = 989) and child (N = 276). Data on the death of a partner and child as well as cognitive and affective well-being were assessed yearly since 2007. Multilevel analyses revealed that both events were associated with very large well-being impairments (>1 SD) that were most pronounced for sadness, happiness, and life satisfaction in the first year of bereavement. Afterwards, bereaved individuals managed to recover impressively well: Levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and sadness were on average similar 5 years after losing a partner or child compared with 5 years before the respective loss. Our findings suggest (a) that many individuals tend to be capable to even cope with highly stressful loss experiences and (b) that Set-Point Theory not only applies to life satisfaction but also different facets of affective well-being around the death of a loved one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Asselmann
- Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jule Specht
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Freak-Poli R, Kung CSJ, Ryan J, Shields MA. Social Isolation, Social Support, and Loneliness Profiles Before and After Spousal Death and the Buffering Role of Financial Resources. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:956-971. [PMID: 35373252 PMCID: PMC9071412 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We provide new evidence on the profiles of social isolation, social support, and loneliness before and after spousal death for older widows. We also examine the moderating effects of gender and financial resources on changes in social health before and after widowhood. Methods We use 19 waves of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, including 749 widowed individuals and a comparison group of around 8,000 married individuals. We apply coarsened exact matching weights and control for age and time trends. Local polynomial smoothed plots show the profiles of social health from 3 years pre- to 3 years postspousal death. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results Spousal death was strongly associated with increased loneliness for women and men, but also an increase in interactions with friends and family not living with the bereaved. For men, financial resources (both income and asset wealth) provided some protection against loneliness. Spousal death was not associated with changes in social support or participation in community activities. Discussion We demonstrate that loneliness is a greater challenge of widowhood than social isolation or a lack of social support. Our findings suggest that interventions focusing only on increasing social interactions are unlikely to alleviate loneliness following spousal death. Moreover, policies that reduce the cost of formal social participation may have limited effectiveness in tackling loneliness, particularly for women. Alternative strategies, such as helping the bereaved form a new sense of identity and screening for loneliness around widowhood by health care workers, could be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Freak-Poli
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claryn S J Kung
- Centre for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael A Shields
- Centre for Health Economics, Monash Business School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Reitz AK, Weidmann R, Wünsche J, Bühler JL, Burriss RP, Grob A. In good times and in bad: A longitudinal analysis of the impact of bereavement on self-esteem and life satisfaction in couples. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070211054896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the impact of bereavement on self-esteem and life satisfaction in both partners of a romantic couple. We investigate the moderating effects of the type of the lost relationship (close family, close friends/others) and romantic relationship characteristics (daily social support, responsiveness-closeness, self-disclosure). We examined 1238 individuals in 619 male–female couples from the ages 18 to 81 ( M [ SD] = 31.97 years [13.26]). Both partners completed questionnaires at two assessments that were 20 months ( SD = 2.02 months) apart, in between which n = 216 individuals were bereaved. Actor–partner interdependence models showed that bereavement did not predict later self-esteem or life satisfaction in either of the partners. The relationship characteristics and the type of lost relationship did not moderate the effects. The subjective meaning and distress of the loss predicted later self-esteem and life satisfaction. The self-esteem increase was larger for bereaved with a positive/neutral than for bereaved with a negative meaning of the bereavement. We found a partner effect on self-esteem for the group of bereaved who reported a negative meaning of the bereavement. The findings demonstrate that bereavement can impact romantic partners' self-esteem and that the subjective experience of bereavement helps understand individual differences in the effect of bereavement on self-esteem and life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebekka Weidmann
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Janina L. Bühler
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Khatib A, Ben-David V, Gelkopf M, Levine SZ. Ethnic group and social support contribution to posttraumatic growth after sudden spousal loss among Jewish, Muslim, and Druze widows in Israel. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 49:1010-1023. [PMID: 33778963 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the contribution of ethnic group status and social support to posttraumatic growth (PTG) among widows after sudden spousal loss. Participants included 184 widows from three ethnic groups: 59 (32.3%) Jewish, 58 (31.7%) Muslim, and 66 (36%) Druze. Information was gathered via a demographic questionnaire, PTG Inventory, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Analysis of covariance was used to test ethnic group status differences in social support, controlling for demographic variables. Hierarchical linear models were used to assess groups differences in the study outcome variables. The results showed that the PTG total score was higher for Jewish widows than for Muslim and Druze widows, with a null difference between the latter two, and social support contributed to increased PTG among Jewish widows more than among Muslim and Druze widows, with no significant association between social support and PTG among Druze widows. The highest PTG levels were observed among widows from modern individualistic cultural backgrounds, compared with traditional collectivist, cultural backgrounds after sudden spousal death. The social support system may be a pathway to enhance PTG among widows in traditional collectivist societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Khatib
- Department of Social Work, Zefat Academic College, Zefat, Israel
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Vered Ben-David
- Department of Social Work, Zefat Academic College, Zefat, Israel
| | - Marc Gelkopf
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Stephen Z Levine
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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10
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Lamarche VM. Interdependent transformations: Integrating insights from relationship science to advance post-traumatic growth and personality change research. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070211022119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
People have a tremendous ability to grow and change for the better following adverse life events. This capacity for growth has captured the attention of psychologists interested in understanding the mechanisms underpinning both personality and well-being. This paper advocates for a greater integration of relationship science into this area of study as a means of advancing post-traumatic growth and personality change research. Relationships, both as an impetus for change and as evidence of growth, have featured consistently in the post-traumatic growth and adversity literatures. Drawing from interdependence theory in particular, this paper highlights how the unique structure of close relationships and relationship dynamics can be applied to address outstanding theoretical questions related to the advancement of post-traumatic growth research as well as offers a critique of the practice of using relationship outcomes (e.g., connection) as evidence of post-traumatic growth. Finally, this paper encourages psychologists across subdisciplines to share their unique skills and insights to help generate more robust psychological theories and methods.
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11
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Nakagawa T, Hülür G. Life Satisfaction during the Transition to Widowhood among Japanese Older Adults. Gerontology 2021; 67:338-349. [PMID: 33946080 DOI: 10.1159/000512859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The loss of a spouse is among the most stressful life events. Whilst grief and mourning vary across cultures, most longitudinal studies have been conducted in Western societies. Adding to prior research, this study examines the role of resources available prior to spousal bereavement and changes therein for trajectories of well-being in an Eastern society, namely, Japan. METHODS Data were derived from a nationally representative panel survey of Japanese older adults aged 60 years and above. We used data from married participants at baseline who experienced spousal loss during the 19-year follow-up period (N = 481). Well-being was indexed as life satisfaction. RESULTS The multiphase growth model revealed that life satisfaction typically deteriorated surrounding spousal loss and remained stable 1 year after the event. Compared with individuals coresiding with a child before and after loss, those who did not continuously coreside with a child showed lower levels of postloss life satisfaction, but better recovery. Perceiving better financial status prior to loss was related to higher levels of preloss life satisfaction and, conversely, lower levels after loss. Changes in resources were not associated with life satisfaction following widowhood. DISCUSSION Our results show that spousal bereavement has, on average, an initial negative impact on well-being with substantial individual differences in recovery 1 year later. When designing interventions to promote adaptation after spousal loss, it is important to consider the bereaved individual's cultural background and preloss resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nakagawa
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Gizem Hülür
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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12
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Schladitz K, Löbner M, Stein J, Weyerer S, Werle J, Wagner M, Heser K, Scherer M, Stark A, Kaduszkiewicz H, Wiese B, Oey A, König HH, Hajek A, Riedel-Heller SG. Grief and loss in old age: Exploration of the association between grief and depression. J Affect Disord 2021; 283:285-292. [PMID: 33578340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proportion of older adults is increasing due to demographic changes. Depression belongs to the most common mental disorders in late life. The loss of an emotionally significant person is a risk factor for the development of depression. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between depression and grief burden resulting from loss. Based on prior evidence, we examined loneliness as a possible mediator and social support as possible moderator of this association. METHODS The cross-sectional analyses are based on a sample (N = 863) of study participants aged 75+ (M = 81.4 years, SD = 4.4, 62.2% female) with loss experience deriving from the multicenter prospective German cohort study AgeMooDe. Regression analyses (moderated mediation) were performed. RESULTS With increasing age (β = 0.10, p = .005) and grief burden (β = 0.33, p <. 001) depression severity increased. There was an indirect mediating effect of loneliness on the correlation of grief burden and depression (b = 0.04, CI [0.03, 0.05]), but no moderating effect of social support on the correlation of grief burden and loneliness. People living alone had a significantly higher risk of depression, increased loneliness and lack of social support. LIMITATIONS Assessments were based on self-reporting and recorded dimensionally. The cross-sectional design limits conclusions about directions and causality of associations. Sampling bias cannot be completely excluded. CONCLUSION The study provides empirical evidence and a better understanding of the association between grief and depression among the very old and the mediating role of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schladitz
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, Leipzig 04103, Germany.
| | - M Löbner
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - J Stein
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - S Weyerer
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - J Werle
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - M Wagner
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases within the Helmholtz Association, DZNE, Bonn, Germany
| | - K Heser
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Scherer
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Stark
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H Kaduszkiewicz
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - B Wiese
- Institute for General Practice, Working Group Medical Statistics and IT-Infrastructure, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Oey
- Institute for General Practice, Working Group Medical Statistics and IT-Infrastructure, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - H-H König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S G Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, Leipzig 04103, Germany
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13
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Blanner C, Elliott A, Hjorth P, Søndergaard J, Mattisson C, Andersen K. Experiences of becoming widowed in old age - a cross-countries study with qualitative interviews from Denmark and quantitative measures of association in a Swedish sample. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 16:1871181. [PMID: 33541253 PMCID: PMC8725736 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1871181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Becoming widowed is a stressful health-threatening event causing major life changes. We explored how widowed people experience becoming widowed and examined if these experiences are quantitatively associated with widowhood. Methods: A multi-methods study using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach including a qualitative descriptive study with widowed people from Denmark and a Swedish cohort study. Qualitative interviews (n = 9) were analysed using qualitative content analysis, describing experiences as explained by the widowed people. The quantitative association of the experiences was examined by identifying proxies for the qualitative experiences of widowhood in the cohort study and examining the occurrence in widowed people compared to married people (n = 1,095). Results: Six categories of experiences emerged: the circumstances around spousal death, mental health and well-being, physical health, social relations, activities and practicalities. The quantitative examination showed a significant association with widowhood regarding mental and physical health problems. Conclusion: The circumstances around spousal death and the time before spousal death, in general, were important to how participants felt being widowed. Being ill negatively affected mental health and well-being, partly because of the inability to participate in activities and social relations. This is important, as health problems are more common among widowed people than married people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Blanner
- Department of Mental Health Odense, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark
| | - Anja Elliott
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark , Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Peter Hjorth
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark.,Centre for Psychiatric Nursing and Health Care Research , Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark
| | - Cecilia Mattisson
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University , Lund, Sweden
| | - Kjeld Andersen
- Department of Mental Health Odense, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark , Odense, Denmark
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14
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Stemen SE, de Medeiros K, Radina ME. Exploring cause of death as a factor in social convoy membership: the case of Pauline. J Women Aging 2020; 33:170-183. [PMID: 33170100 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2020.1825033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Research integrating social convoy and continuing bonds frameworks suggests that deceased individuals can be included in convoys as connections may carry on after death. Building on this, we present a qualitative case study that explores whether such relationships are influenced by the way people die. Pauline, 67, compares the "natural" deaths of relatives to her husband's suicide. Analysis of Pauline's interview revealed that the unexplained death of her husband impacted her identity and contributed to his continued existence within her convoy. Consequently, the cause of death may be an important consideration for researchers integrating the social convoy and continuing bonds frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Stemen
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology , Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Kate de Medeiros
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology , Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - M Elise Radina
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology , Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
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15
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Morrigan B, Keesing S, Breen LJ. Exploring the Social Networks of Bereaved Spouses: Phenomenological Case Studies. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 85:268-284. [PMID: 32698677 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820944062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bereavement is a significant stressor that can affect and be affected by social support, yet there is little known about the social networks of bereaved individuals. We conducted an in-depth qualitative examination of the social networks of bereaved spouses through an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Five participants were interviewed about their social networks prior to and following bereavement. Participants described considerable changes in their social networks. They reported connecting with others who had experienced similar stressors, including via online support groups for widows/widowers, as a key strategy for re-engagement with their social worlds. The death of a spouse can precipitate the dramatic reorganization of social networks to incorporate and adapt to this crisis. Findings offer guidance for service providers to support bereaved spouses to harness existing social networks to optimize received support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharon Keesing
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Lauren J Breen
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Sekgobela G, Peu M, van der Wath A. "They brought my smile back": A phenomenological description of widows' experiences of psychosocial support. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:603-612. [PMID: 31584347 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1671542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of widowhood can be overwhelming. Widows sometimes experience difficulties to obtain psychosocial support to overcome the challenges they face. In this phenomenological study, purposively selected widows were asked about their experiences of widowhood in terms of different sources of support. The analysis illuminated the meaning widows attach to different sources of psychosocial support. Participants experienced both positive and negative encounters with their sources of support. During negative encounters, widows experienced feelings of disappointment; and when their psychosocial support needs were met, they experienced a sense of happiness and a positive level of satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopolang Sekgobela
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mmapheko Peu
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Asselmann E, Specht J. Till death do us part: Transactions between losing one's spouse and the Big Five personality traits. J Pers 2019; 88:659-675. [PMID: 31564059 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although losing one's spouse is one of the worst experiences that can occur in life, it has not been resolved yet how this experience relates to personality development. METHOD In the German Socio-Economic Panel study, information on the death of a spouse was assessed yearly from 1985 to 2017 and personality was measured repeatedly in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017 with a short version of the Big Five Inventory. We used multilevel analyses to simultaneously model whether personality differed between individuals who did or did not lose their spouse and whether personality changed prior to and after this experience. RESULTS Compared to controls without the event, individuals who lost their spouse at a later point of time were more conscientious (β = .21) and more extraverted (β = .17). They became gradually more extraverted in the three years prior to the event (β = .25), but were less extraverted thereafter (β =-.27). Moreover, they gradually increased in Emotional Stability in the three years after this experience (β = .30). These changes were primarily driven by women and middle-aged individuals. Men whose spouse died were less open in the first year after the event (β =-.47). CONCLUSIONS Losing one's spouse relates to changes in Extraversion and Emotional Stability, especially in women and middle-aged adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Asselmann
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jule Specht
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Jhang FH. Life satisfaction trajectories of junior high school students in poverty: Exploring the role of self-efficacy and social support. J Adolesc 2019; 75:85-97. [PMID: 31376780 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents' evaluation of overall life in response to adverse life circumstances may depend on the features of events as well as the resources of the youngsters, but there is a lack of research examining whether these factors relate to life satisfaction trajectories from early adolescence to late adolescence (ranging from age 12 to 19). This study analyzes whether controllable negative life events, internal resources, (e.g., self-efficacy) and external resources, (e.g., three sources of social support) predict life satisfaction trajectories, and whether these resources moderate the negative impacts of controllable events on life satisfaction trajectories. METHODS Multilevel growth modeling was used to analyze a three-wave, nationally representative sample consisting of 818 adolescents from poor families in Taiwan. At time T1, participants were junior high school students (mean age = 13.52, SD=.83). RESULTS The results revealed that controllable negative events reduced the initial state of life satisfaction, whereas self-efficacy and family support enhanced the initial life satisfaction. In addition, instead of providing a buffering effect, self-efficacy strengthened the link between baseline controllable events and changes in life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that peer support, rather than family and teacher support, moderates the impact of controllable negative events on life satisfaction over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Hua Jhang
- Department of Law and Social Work, Minjiang University, China.
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Understanding the relationship between Facebook use and adaptation to financial hardship: Evidence from a longitudinal panel study. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2018; 89:221-229. [PMID: 30510357 PMCID: PMC6199239 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Prior longitudinal studies on the effects of Facebook use on well-being often found no or only small effects. One reason could be that well-being indicators are often remarkably stable over time. In the present study, we looked therefore at people who experienced financial hardship, a stressful life event, and examined whether Facebook users differed from non-users in how they reacted and adapted to the life event over time and which role social support played in this process. We used multilevel models to examine the recovery process to the negative life event. Facebook users experienced a larger drop of satisfaction with their financial situation during the life event (= the reaction phase) than non-users, but showed higher levels of satisfaction after the life-event (= the adaptation phase). Online social support was also beneficial for adaptation to the life event. Next, we examined within the subsample of Facebook users to what extent frequency of posting and reading were related to receiving online social support and in turn financial satisfaction. Frequency of posting and reading were positively related to online social support. However, only posting was related to higher financial satisfaction and only at the end of the adaptation phase, indicating that Facebook use might mainly contribute positively to people's well-being some while after stressful life-events.
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Karantzas GC, Gillath O. Stress and wellbeing during chronic illness and partner death in later-life: the role of social support. Curr Opin Psychol 2017; 13:75-80. [PMID: 28813299 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic illness and the death of a romantic partner are two of the most significant stressors reported by older adults, resulting in various physical and mental health consequences. Evidence suggests that social support is a key factor in understanding the association between chronic illness and widowhood and the wellbeing of older adults. Nevertheless, research into social support is often approached in an atheoretical manner when investigating these stressors in older adulthood. We attempt to address this theoretical chasm by proposing an integrative model to explain social support processes in older couples which draws on models of social support and attachment theory. Our model provides an important framework for understanding existing research findings as well as guiding future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gery C Karantzas
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Omri Gillath
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, 1415 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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Mancini AD, Sinan B, Bonanno GA. Predictors of Prolonged Grief, Resilience, and Recovery Among Bereaved Spouses. J Clin Psychol 2015; 71:1245-58. [PMID: 26394308 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most reactions to loss can be characterized by three prototypical trajectories of resilience, gradual recovery, and chronic distress (Bonanno, ). However, research on the factors that uniquely predict these trajectories of response has been limited. We examined theoretically relevant predictors of each of the trajectory patterns. METHOD We assessed 115 bereaved spouses at 1.5 to 3 years postloss and 74 married controls. To identify grief trajectory, we provided bereaved participants with a graphical depiction of the trajectories and asked them to select the one that best described their experience. RESULTS Group comparisons revealed substantial differences between resilient and prolonged grievers, and almost no differences between resilient and married controls. Multivariate analyses indicated that prolonged grief, when compared to resilience, was uniquely associated with maladaptive dependency traits, difficulty accessing positive memories of the deceased, and higher recalled marital adjustment. CONCLUSION The present results extend our understanding of factors associated with distinct trajectories of adjustment after loss.
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