Perceived social support among widowed women in Jordan: An exploratory study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the level of perceived social support among widowed women due to particular demographic variables. Total of 422-volunteered widow participated in this study; they were randomly chosen from the beneficiaries of one of the social welfare organisation. They responded to the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results revealed that the level of perceived social support among widowed women was moderate, the support from significant others was the highest as perceived by widows, followed by social support from family, perceived social support from friends was the least. Also, results indicated no significant differences in perceived social support due to widows' age, number and age stages Jordan and to identify the statistically significant differences in perceived social support of children, educational level, place of residence, and Husband's death years. The significant differences were found in the variable related to the place of residence of widowed women.