The Psychological Well-Being of Older, Recent Widows

Abstract

The impact of husband's death on the psychological well-being of 226 older widows was examined. Respondents were 60 to 89 years of age and had been widowed from 7 to 21 months at the time of interview. Using multiple regression analysis it was determined that 19 selected variables accounted for approximately 22% of the variance in positive affect and 18% of the variance in negative affect. Higher levels of positive affect were related to widows' religious involvement, number of siblings, and support from children and their families. Negative affect was more often associated with other deaths (in addition to that of husband), housing dissatisfaction, and a history of employment outside the home during marriage. Additional research is called for in light of the increasing numbers and potential vulnerabilities of older women who are recently widowed.