Loneliness in Bereavement: Measurement Matters

Role Identity, Loneliness, and Bereavement During the Pandemic in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly restricted social activities, prompting a re-examination of community dynamics. In Japan, where families are central, the absence of a spouse increases susceptibility to loneliness and isolation. The loss of a spouse, especially during the pandemic, has heightened these issues among middle-aged and older individuals. Limited quantitative studies on pandemic-related bereavement in Japan underscore the need to understand the associated risks of loneliness and social isolation. This study aimed to examine the relationships between role identity as a member of the local community, loneliness, and social support among middle-aged and older adults. This study also examined whether there were differences in the relationships between those who had experienced bereavement and those who had not.

Methods

An Internet survey was conducted with Japanese adults (aged 50-74 years), including those who experienced bereavement during the pandemic. The final sample included 322 participants (154 in the bereavement group and 168 in the cohabiting group). The variables, measured using psychological scales, included role identity as a local resident, social capital (trust, reciprocity, and membership), loneliness, and social support (family and friendship).

Results

The higher trust and role identity were related to lower loneliness. Membership in the cohabiting group was related to lower level of loneliness and higher level of social supports. However, membership in the bereavement group was not related to either. Furthermore, trust and reciprocity were related to loneliness and social support.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the role identity and perception of social capital related to preventing isolation and loneliness for bereaved people.

The mental health of Australians bereaved during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a latent class analysis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many areas of life, including culturally accepted practices at end-of-life care, funeral rites, and access to social, community, and professional support. This survey investigated the mental health outcomes of Australians bereaved during this time to determine how these factors might have impacted bereavement outcomes.

METHODS

An online survey indexing pandemic and bereavement experiences, levels of grief, depression, anxiety, and health, work, and social impairment. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify groups of individuals who shared similar symptom patterns. Multinomial regressions identified pandemic-related, loss-related, and sociodemographic correlates of class membership.

RESULTS

1911 Australian adults completed the survey. The LCA identified four classes: low symptoms (46.8%), grief (17.3%), depression/anxiety (17.7%), and grief/depression/anxiety (18.2%). The latter group reported the highest levels of health, work, and social impairment. The death of a child or partner and an inability to care for the deceased due to COVID-19 public health measures were correlated with grief symptoms (with or without depression and anxiety). Preparedness for the person's death and levels of pandemic-related loneliness and social isolation differentiated all four classes. Unemployment was associated with depression/anxiety (with or without grief).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 had profound impacts for the way we lived and died, with effects that are likely to ricochet through society into the foreseeable future. These lessons learned must inform policymakers and healthcare professionals to improve bereavement care and ensure preparedness during and following future predicted pandemics to prevent negative impacts.

Widowhood and bereavement in late life

Bereavement is a common and often challenging experience in late life. Evidence shows that while many older adults manage to adjust well and demonstrate resilience in response to the death of a close person, bereavement puts a substantial minority at risk of adverse mental and physical health impacts including mortality. Current research further indicates that 1) this is the case across different countries and cultures across the globe; 2) that the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for coping with late-life bereavement; 3) that loneliness and social isolation among bereaved older adults tend to be prevalent and harmful, particularly under pandemic but also in nonpandemic circumstances; and, recently, 4) that bereavement may be a risk factor for cognitive decline in this population.

Latent class analysis of grief-related beliefs among recently bereaved adults

Grief-related beliefs play an important role in bereavement adjustment. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and correlates of grief-related beliefs among recently bereaved adults (n = 311). Latent class analysis results suggested three meaningful grief belief classes could be identified: the High grief belief class (24.1%), Predominantly counterfactual thoughts class (42.4%), and Low belief class (33.4%). Members in the High grief belief class reported the highest levels of grief symptoms, depression and PTSD symptoms, loneliness, and functional impairment. Compared with the Low belief class, unmarried people, people in poor health, individuals who lost parents, partners, or children, and those who experienced violent or unexpected death were more likely to belong to the High grief belief class. Findings of this study support the importance of examining grief-related cognitions in research and clinical practice, especially counterfactual thoughts about the death, which may need to be specifically screened and targeted in treatment.

The Relationship Between Perceived Parental Competence and Bereavement Outcomes in Widows With Young Children

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.