Loss Of Spouse Research Articles

Predictors of ICU Surrogates' States of Concurrent Prolonged Grief, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Depression Symptoms.

Scarce research explores factors of concurrent psychologic distress (prolonged grief disorder [PGD], post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and depression). This study models surrogates' longitudinal, heterogenous grief-related reactions and multidimensional risk factors drawing from the integrative framework of predictors for bereavement outcomes (intrapersonal, interpersonal, bereavement-related, and death-circumstance factors), emphasizing clinical modifiability. Prospective cohort study. Medical ICUs of two Taiwanese medical centers. Two hundred eighty-eight family surrogates. None. Factors associated with four previously identified PGD-PTSD-depressive-symptom states (resilient, subthreshold depression-dominant, PGD-dominant, and PGD-PTSD-depression concurrent) were examined by multinomial logistic regression modeling (resilient state as reference). Intrapersonal: Prior use of mood medications correlated with the subthreshold depression-dominant state. Financial hardship and emergency department visits correlated with the PGD-PTSD-depression concurrent state. Higher anxiety symptoms correlated with the three more profound psychologic-distress states (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.781 [1.562-2.031] to 2.768 [2.288-3.347]). Interpersonal: Better perceived social support was associated with the subthreshold depression-dominant state. Bereavement-related: Spousal loss correlated with the PGD-dominant state. Death circumstances: Provision of palliative care (8.750 [1.603-47.768]) was associated with the PGD-PTSD-depression concurrent state. Surrogate-perceived quality of patient dying and death as poor-to-uncertain (4.063 [1.531-10.784]) correlated with the subthreshold depression-dominant state, poor-to-uncertain (12.833 [1.231-133.775]), and worst (12.820 [1.806-91.013]) correlated with the PGD-PTSD-depression concurrent state. Modifiable social-worker involvement (0.004 [0.001-0.097]) and a do-not-resuscitate order issued before death (0.177 [0.032-0.978]) were negatively associated with the PGD-PTSD-depression concurrent and the subthreshold depression-dominant state, respectively. Apparent unmodifiable buffering factors included surrogates' higher educational attainment, married status, and longer time since loss. Surrogates' concurrent bereavement distress was positively associated with clinically modifiable factors: poor quality dying and death, higher surrogate anxiety, and palliative care-commonly provided late in the terminal-illness trajectory worldwide. Social-worker involvement and a do-not-resuscitate order appeared to mitigate risk.

Development of loneliness and social isolation after spousal loss: A systematic review of longitudinal studies on widowhood.

Spousal loss is a stressful life event that is associated with loneliness and social isolation, both of which affect mental and physical health. The primary objective of this paper was to synthesize longitudinal studies that investigated loneliness and social isolation in widowhood. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using three electronic databases. 26 longitudinal studies published through June 2024 were included for further analysis. Participant characteristics, study design, and key findings were extracted. Most studies were from the United States or Europe, included more widows than widowers, and assessed loneliness in older adults aged >60 years. Loneliness peaked directly following spousal death, but findings were inconsistent regarding the lasting effects of widowhood. Heterogeneity in the longitudinal trajectories of loneliness was noted, with studies showing linear increases, decreases, or curvilinear relationships over time. Several factors modified the relationship between widowhood and loneliness, including volunteerism, military experience, income, and age. Widowers consistently reported greater loneliness and worse social isolation when compared with widows. Few studies investigated social isolation specifically, but those that did found that social isolation may decrease in widowhood. As the world grapples with a social pandemic of loneliness and social isolation, widowed adults may be uniquely affected. Few studies investigated the longitudinal trajectory of loneliness and especially social isolation in widowhood, and those that did found heterogenous results. Future work is needed to understand why some widowed adults are uniquely affected by feelings of loneliness and social isolation while others are not, and whether potentially modifiable factors that moderate or mediate this relationship could be leveraged by psychosocial interventions.

A Web-Based Resilience-Enhancing Program to Improve Resilience, Physical Activity, and Well-being in Geriatric Population: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Resilience is a protective factor in healthy aging, helping to maintain and recover physical and mental functions. The Resilience in Illness Model has proven effective in fostering resilience and well-being. Physical activity is crucial for older adults' independence and well-being, even as aging causes a progressive decline. Additionally, older adults face challenges such as spousal loss and physical disability, making preventive intervention strategies necessary. This study aims to develop and evaluate a web-based program to enhance resilience, physical activity, and well-being among community-dwelling older adults. Additionally, we aim to gather feedback on the program's strengths and limitations. A 4-week resilience-enhancing program was created, incorporating role-play and talk-in-interaction and focusing on 3 key skills: coping, control belief, and manageability. The program included scenarios such as becoming widowed and suffering a stroke, designed to engage older adults. A pilot test preceded the intervention. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program shifted from in-person to web-based sessions. A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants aged over 65 years were recruited offline and randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. A certified resilience practitioner delivered the program. Outcomes in resilience, physical activity, and well-being were self-assessed at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) after the program. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate feedback. A web-based participatory program enhancing 3 skills-coping, control belief, and manageability for resilience-was well developed. Among 96 participants, 63 were randomized into the intervention group (n=31) and the control group (n=32). The mean age in the intervention group was 69.27 (SD 3.08) years and 74.84 (SD 6.23) years in the control group. Significant between-group differences at baseline were found in age (t45.6=-4.53, P<.001) and physical activity at baseline (t61=2.92, P=.005). No statistically significant between-group differences over time were observed in resilience (SE 7.49, 95% CI -10.74 to 18.61, P=.60), physical activity (SE 15.18, 95% CI -24.74 to 34.74, P=.74), and well-being (SE 3.74, 95% CI -2.68 to 11.98, P=.21) after controlling for baseline differences. The dropout rate was lower in the intervention group (2/31, 6%) compared with the control group (5/32, 16%). Moreover, 77% (24/31) of participants in the intervention group completed the entire program. Program feedback from the participants indicated high satisfaction with the web-based format and mentorship support. This study demonstrated that a web-based resilience-enhancing program is appropriate, acceptable, feasible, and engaging for community-dwelling older adults. The program garnered enthusiasm for its potential to optimize resilience, physical activity, and well-being, with mentorship playing a crucial role in its success. Future studies should aim to refine program content, engagement, and delivery methods to effectively promote healthy aging in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05808491; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05808491.

Changes in Household Wealth Over the Process of Widowhood Across European Countries.

Widowhood has been shown to decrease surviving spouses' economic well-being. However, previous research has focused mostly on income-related outcomes, and has been less attentive to the importance of wealth, the processual nature of spousal death, and cross-national variation. In this study, we assessed how total, housing, and nonhousing wealth changes over the process of widowhood across 11 European countries. Individual fixed-effects regressions and longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe were used to estimate how household net total wealth, housing wealth, and nonhousing wealth changed 3 years prior and 6 or more years after spousal death relative to 4 or more years prior to widowhood in 11 European countries. In all countries, household net wealth stayed relatively constant across the widowhood process, except for Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland, where wealth declines were observed especially in the years following death. However, we found declines in housing wealth over the widowhood process, including prior to spousal death, across most countries in our sample, particularly in Austria, France, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Declines in housing wealth were generally not reflected by changes in nonhousing wealth but coincided with leaving homeownership and downsizing. Widowhood is associated with lower wealth, especially housing wealth, even in the years before spousal loss. Future research should focus on adjudicating the mechanisms behind country differences and exploring the implications of lost wealth following widowhood for surviving spouses' well-being and intergenerational transfers.

Pre-widowhood social support is linked to loneliness patterns: a growth mixture model using the health and retirement study

Objectives The first aim of the study is to compare loneliness levels between widowed and non-widowed older adults. The second aim is to identify distinct loneliness patterns among widowed individuals and explore the impact of pre-spousal loss social support on loneliness during and after bereavement. Method Data from the Health and Retirement Study were utilized to compare loneliness levels between widowed (n = 137) and non-widowed (n = 2361) older adults (M age = 69.01). T-tests and latent growth curve models were conducted to compare loneliness levels between the two groups. Growth mixture models were computed to identify distinct loneliness patterns among the widowed individuals. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine how pre-widowhood social support was associated with the obtained classes. Results The results revealed that widowed individuals reported significantly higher levels of loneliness at T2. Among widowed individuals, three distinct loneliness patterns were identified: Increased Loneliness (IL) group (n = 32); Low and Stable Loneliness (LSL) group (n = 88); and Decreased Loneliness (DL) group (n = 17). The IL and DL group were less likely to receive social support from spouse, children, and friends compared to the LSL group. Conclusion This study provides evidence of the protective effect of pre-widowhood social support on the psychological well-being of older adults after spousal loss.

Assessing social determinants of health and optimizing resource support for patients with metastatic breast cancer: Results from the LIFT-UP study.

e13719 Background: Although the impacts of social determinants of health (SDOH) on outcomes of patients with breast cancer are well-recognized, few cancer care programs systematically assess and address SDOH. We examined the feasibility of systematic assessment of SDOH within a clinical metastatic breast cancer (MBC) program, and subsequent linkage to support services. Methods: Embedded within the Ending Metastatic Breast Cancer for Everyone (EMBRACE) program at a single center, we approached consecutive patients from March to September 2023, who were within 6 months of institutional presentation. Recruited patients participated in a multidimensional baseline survey of SDOH including domains such as language barriers, transportation burden, financial and housing concerns, depression, and anxiety. Based on pre-determined thresholds on a Likert scale for each potential SDOH need, referrals were made to connect patients to specific support services; a follow-up survey was conducted at 3-6 months. Outcomes included feasibility of SDOH documentation (% who completed survey); prevalence of needs; use of support services; and satisfaction with services. Results: Among eligible patients from two clinic sites, 112 were approached for participation and 98 (87%) enrolled. Most participants (n=73, 74%) completed the baseline SDOH survey. Median age was 58 (range 29-84). Most participants identified as White (82%) and non-Hispanic (89%); two patients were non-English speaking. Median travel time to clinic was 80 mins. Overall, 63% reported 1+ need; 25% had 3+ needs. Reported concerns included the following: 33% were somewhat/very worried about transportation costs, 21% worried about medical costs (e.g., copays), 15% worried about medication payments, 19% worried about utility bills; 14% and 7% had some degree of housing or food insecurity, respectively. Moreover, many patients experienced some personal (49%) or spousal (19%) loss of income since their cancer diagnosis. Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 37% and 27% met thresholds for social work referral. Overall, referrals to resource services were placed for &gt;95% of those with SDOH needs, but the data are not yet mature to assess utilization of services. Preliminary results from a follow-up survey at 3-6 months indicate that among those who accessed resources, transportation concerns (50%), food insecurity (66%) and medication payment challenges (50%) persisted. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the feasibility and importance of systematically assessing SDOH in a routine clinical setting, with a high degree of unmet needs reported among MBC patients. As a result of these assessments, &gt;95% were referred for relevant resources. Future studies will determine successful implementation strategies to optimize access to support and resource services.

Spousal bereavement and four-year trajectories of medication use: A nationwide register-based study in Swedish older adults.

Medication use around widowhood has been poorly described for most medication classes. Medication use patterns can reflect health consequences of spousal loss, as previously shown for psychotropic drugs. We used data from nationwide health registers (2008-2020) to describe the patterns of use of dispensed medications in all widowed Swedes aged ≥65 years followed between 2 years before and 2 years after spousal death. All prescription drugs used by at least 5% of the cohort were considered according to their therapeutic subgroups (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical [ATC] classification system 2nd level). We used group-based trajectory models to cluster widowed individuals into up to 4 distinct longitudinal patterns of monthly medication use. We ranked the therapeutic subgroups with similar patterns according to their plausibility to reflect potential health effects of spousal loss, compared to those of psycholeptics (mainly anxiolytics, hypnotics) and psychoanaleptics (mainly antidepressants) as the references. From 212,111 widowed adults included (68% female and 70% aged ≥75 years), we observed a significant increasing trend in medication use, especially after spousal death, for 21 out of the 39 different therapeutic subgroups that were used by at least 5% (most represented pharmacological groups: cardiovascular system, nervous system, and alimentary tract and metabolism). This increasing trend often concerned only a small proportion of individuals, with varying magnitude and speed of change in medication use across therapeutic subgroups. The patterns of use of antiepileptics, laxatives, skin emollients/protectives, analgesics, and drugs for anemia, constipation, or peptic ulcers, were the closest to those of references, displaying the largest changes in use, and were therefore ranked as the most likely to reflect health effects of spousal loss. Our results confirmed the increase in psychotropic medications' use in widowed older adults and identified several potential physical health effects of spousal loss that warrant further research.

Anxiety and depression in elderly people living in an urban community in Kathmandu

Background &amp; Objectives: Ageing is associated with several risk factors such as loss of income, loss of spouse, chronic comorbidities, cognitive impairment, bereavement, living alone, decreased physical functionality, and fear of death. Consequently, mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression are very common. This study aimed to find the prevalence of anxiety and depression among elderly people living in a community of urban Kathmandu. Materials and Methods: Levels of anxiety and depression were assessed by interviewing elderly people living in the community of Gokarneswor-7, Kathmandu by using validated Nepali translations of Beck Anxiety Inventory and Geriatric Depression Scale respectively. Results: One hundred and eight elderly people (52 males, 48%), of mean age 68 years, all living in family, gave complete responses. Both anxiety and depression had prevalence rates of 52% and 2% for severe forms. Comorbidity was found in 36% of the elderly and another 36% had none of the disorders. Anxiety was more common in females and those with comorbid chronic diseases; other socio-demographic factors such as age, occupation, education level, ethnicity, religion, or type of family had no significant association (p&gt;0.05). Depression showed significant association with none of these factors. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common among elderly people living in community in urban Kathmandu. More than one third have both disorders.

The Role of Late-Life Work Among Widowed Adults in Korea: A Buffer or Burden for Widow(er)s' Health?

To examine the role of work in the bereavement process, we focused on health changes among widowed adults. We analyzed a sample of 518 adults (aged 52-95) from the Korean Retirement and Income Study (2011-2019) who experienced spousal loss during the study period. The widowed participants provided data on their employment status and perceived health at both pre-loss and post-loss. Widowed participants reported worse physical and mental health after the bereavement, but the significant health deterioration was not observed among employed participants. Adjusting for pre-loss health status and other covariates, employed widow(er)s showed a smaller decrease in physical and mental health, compared to their counterparts. The effect of employment on physical health changes was more pronounced for economically vulnerable widow(er)s. Work might serve as a restoring coping strategy for widowed individuals; economic benefits from the job may also contribute to their health and well-being.

Does losing family members in midlife matter for late-life mental and cognitive health? A longitudinal study of older Swedes spanning 30 years

Objectives Mental and cognitive health is crucial to ensure well-being in older age. However, prolonged periods of stress, grief, and bereavement might compromise mental health balance, leading to profound changes. This study investigated the sex-stratified associations between midlife bereavement experiences (e.g. sibling loss, spousal loss, and multiple losses) and late-life depression (LLD) and cognitive impairment. Method Linked data from the Swedish Level-of-Living Survey and the Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old (SWEOLD) were used. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between midlife bereavement and LLD (n = 1078) and cognitive impairment (n = 995), separately. Results Sibling loss and multiple losses in midlife were associated with lower odds of LLD, especially among women. Among men, sibling loss in midlife was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment, while the experience of two losses among women suggested an increased (but non-significant) risk of cognitive impairment. Interaction analyses did not show significant effects between bereavement and gender on LLD and cognitive impairment. Conclusion Midlife bereavement might have gendered implications on LLD and cognitive impairment, but associations need to be confirmed by well-powered studies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the association between multiple midlife losses and reduced LLD risk.

Factors Contributing to Well-Being in Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults Who Experienced Spousal Bereavement.

Providing support for older adults after spousal bereavement is crucial for psychological recovery through the grieving process and for promoting a healthy and happy remainder of life. The current study aimed to understand factors influencing well-being among Japanese community-dwelling older adults who experienced spousal bereavement by evaluating how their roles and activities affected their psychological well-being following the loss. We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey of 332 older adults who had experienced death of a spouse in later adulthood. Identified factors that affected well-being after spousal loss were sex, ability to go out without assistance from others, long duration since spousal loss, having a hobby, and adopting a life-oriented approach to cope with bereavement. Well-being following spousal loss was influenced by participants' activities and roles. Findings of the current study provide potentially valuable suggestions for surviving spouses and their supporters when coping with grief following spousal loss. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 121-130.].

A Socioecological Examination of the Challenges Associated With Young Widowhood: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review employs a socio-ecological framework to investigate the challenges that arise due to early spousal loss. The research team conducted a systematic review of studies published between 2013 and 2023 to uncover factors that influence the grieving process in bereaved spouses. The results reveal that concurrent with the grief and devastation associated with partner loss, young widows and widowers also face a harsh reality filled with secondary losses, financial difficulty, mental health distress, emotional anguish, and identity crises. These hardships are exacerbated by social norms that disenfranchise the grief of young widows and widowers. These norms are then enacted interpersonally and codified in policy. The review's findings underscore the necessity for increased community grief education and support, focused clinical attention, and policy advocacy.

A protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of mental health disorders among older adults and synthesis of community-based interventions among them in low- and middle-income countries

Background: Older adults of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have a higher prevalence of mental health disorders compared to high-income countries, which can be attributed to a combination of social factors (such as isolation and loss of spouse), declining physical well-being, and the cumulative impact of life stressors, all of which contribute to an increased vulnerability in mental health. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of mental health disorders among older adults in LMICs and to identify community-based mental health intervention measures to tackle mental health problems in LMICs. Methods: Articles will be retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central using MeSH terms, keywords, and text words for each concept. Preprint search servers (MedRx, Cogprints, IndiaRxiv, medRxiv, and SSRN) will also be accessed. Data analysis will be conducted as per guidelines provided in the Handbook of Cochrane Systematic Review. RevMan version 5.4 software will be used for pooled analysis. Expected outcome: This systematic review will be able to identify the pooled prevalence of mental health among older adults and will also identify the evidence-based mental health intervention measures in community settings among older adults of LMICs.

Types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults: Does race/ethnicity matter?

To explore racial/ethnic differences in relation between types of bereavement and depressive symptoms among older adults in the USA. The sample limited to racially/ethnically diverse adults aged ≥55 (n = 879) was drawn from the third wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The NSHAP provides self-identified racial/ethnic categories (non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics) of respondents who were categorized into three groups by experience of bereavement: non-loss, spousal loss, and parental loss. Using the weights, a two-way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni post-test was conducted to explore the main effect of types of loss and race/ethnicity and their interaction effects on depressive symptoms. Spousal loss reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than non-loss or parental loss. Based on the interaction between types of loss and race/ethnicity; however, distinctive patterns were observed. Blacks and Hispanics who lose a parent reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than non-Hispanic Whites did. An increase in depressive symptoms after bereavement manifested distinctively based on racial/ethnic background and the relationship with the deceased. This implies that it is necessary to develop coping strategies concerning race/ethnicity and whom they lose. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 266-272.

Integrity vs Despair: A Phenomenological Study on Filipino Widowed Elderly Lived Experiences

This phenomenological study elucidated the lived experiences of seven Filipino widowed elderly in Bulacan through in-depth interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of transcribed interviews yielded multifaceted insights. Findings revealed three domains that were deemed vital in the study: (1) relationship of the widowed elders with their family; (2) aging experience of widowed elders in relation to widowhood; and (3) perception of widowed elders on dying in relation to widowhood. The participants cherished spousal bonds that provided meaning amidst occasional conflicts. Spousal loss impacted physical health, mental well-being, emotions, and social connections. Participants displayed resilience anchored in familial support, faith, and inner contentment, yet regrets and vulnerabilities persisted during bereavement. Reflections on mortality revealed acceptance of death, valuing familial harmony, and aspiring for loved ones’ well-being. This study offers qualitative insights into nuances, challenges, and sources of strength shaping elderly Filipino bereavement experiences. It contributes to scholarly understanding of marginalized elderly Filipinos’ needs, informing supportive interventions, community engagement, and social welfare policies. Recommendations include strengthening support systems and implementing community elderly programs. Further, research on male elderly and mixed-method approaches would be beneficial. The knowledge produced can guide evidence-based services addressing multifaceted demands in grieving spousal loss amidst aging.

HOW SPOUSAL BEREAVEMENT SHAPES LIFE SATISFACTION: STABILITY AND CHANGE ACROSS HISTORICAL TIME

Abstract Lifespan psychological and life course sociological research have long shown that spousal bereavement constitutes one of the most stressful life events in older adulthood that is often associated with marked declines in well-being. It is an open question though whether and how the well-being implications of spousal loss have changed over the past decades. To do so, we used multi-year within-person longitudinal change data from 2,042 participants (Mage at event =65.73 years, 71% women) of the German Socio-Economic Panel obtained annually since 1984. We combine latent basis growth models with methods that analyze the Area under the Curve so as to consider the time window from five years prior to five years after spousal loss. Results revealed that having lost one’s spouse in the 2000s and 2010s is associated with overall less well-being declines than having lost one’s spouse in the 1980s and 1990s. Building on earlier approaches that have distinguished anticipation, reaction, and adaptation phases of bereavement revealed that such improvements are primarily driven by fewer declines in the anticipation phase and faster recovery in the adaptation phases (both by about 0.1 SD per 10 years of historical time), whereas we found partial evidence for steeper declines in the immediate reaction phase. We discuss and in part examine possible explanatory factors at the individual, spousal, social, and societal level for the observed historical improvements in life satisfaction trajectories surrounding spousal loss in Germany over the last three decades.

DYNAMICS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING ACROSS THE TRANSITION TO WIDOWHOOD

Abstract The present study examines within-person changes in psychological well-being (PWB) associated with the transition to widowhood. We analyzed 9-wave data collected annually from a probability sample of Medicare beneficiaries. The analyzed sample included married respondents at baseline (N=3,711). Five hundred ten respondents, 208 men and 202 women, became widowed in the survey period. We created variables to indicate widowhood status, the time before and the time since widowhood. Depressive symptoms measured by the PHQ9 and positive well-being assessed by a 6-items scale (e.g., My life has meaning and purpose) were dependent variables. Fixed-effect linear regression, which uses only within-person change over time in the panel data, was used. Results show that immediately after the spouse’s death, depressive symptoms increased and positive well-being decreased. There is a curvilinear relationship between time since widowhood and both depressive symptoms and positive well-being. Specifically, after the widowhood transition year, depressive symptoms began to decline, positive well-being began to increase, up to about four years after widowhood when depressive symptoms slightly rose and positive well-being slightly declined. Men and women have similar patterns. The findings suggest that right after spousal loss is challenging for older adults; some may need counseling and extra support. About two years after the spouse’s death, they return to the pre-loss level of PWB and continue improving until about four years after widowhood. Improvement in depressive symptoms and positive well-being shows older adults’ resilience and potential for personal growth after adversity.

THE ROLE OF WISDOM IN ADAPTING TO LATE-LIFE SPOUSAL LOSS

Abstract Death of one’s spouse is normative but one of life’s most challenging events (Carr et al., 2001). Wisdom involves compassion, tolerance for uncertainty and reflection, so may be particularly useful in dealing with spousal loss. Past research has related personal wisdom to well-being and life satisfaction in general (Ardelt, 2019). Almost no research, however, has examined wisdom as a resource in the context of bereavement. We (1) expected that higher wisdom would predict better grief adaptation in widowed older adults and, (2) explored whether wisdom effects might be moderated by older adults’ physical status. Participants (N = 54, Mage = 81; SD = 7.57, 62.3% female) completed the Brief Wisdom Screening Scale (Glück et al., 2013) and two assessments of grief adaptation: Inventory of Complicated Grief (Prigerson et al., 1995) and Integration of Stressful Life Experiences (Holland et al., 2011). Hierarchical regression, F(2, 51) = 4.25, p &amp;lt;.05, showed greater wisdom, β = -.27, t(52) = -2.061, p &amp;lt; .05 and higher physical functioning (β = -.27) both predict lower symptoms of complicated grief, with no moderation. A second regression, F(2,51) = 4.44, p &amp;lt; .055, showed a similar trend with greater wisdom associated with better integration of loss, β = .46, t(52) = 1.96, p = .055. Though preliminary, these findings suggest wisdom may serve as a resource for individuals facing loss in later life. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical models (Glück &amp; Bluck, 2013) identifying reciprocal relations between wisdom development and life challenges.

WIDOWHOOD AND COGNITIVE DECLINE: THE ROLES OF FRIENDS AND GENDER

Abstract Widowhood has been identified as a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. Yet less is known about the protective and exacerbating factors of cognitive decline following widowhood. This study examines the roles of friendship characteristics in moderating the negative effect of spousal loss on cognition for older Americans. Drawing on data from the 2006-2018 Health and Retirement Study, we aim to answer two questions: 1) whether friendship network and quality moderate the association between spousal loss and cognitive decline in late life; 2) whether the moderating effect of friendship characteristics on cognition differ for men and women. Cognitive trajectories were assessed every other year from 2006 to 2018 (in total 7 waves). Friend characteristics were assessed in the 2006 psychosocial questionnaire and included the number of close friends, contact frequency, and support and strain from friends. The analytical sample comprised 3,636 respondents aged 50 and older who were married in 2006 and participated in the psychosocial questionnaire. Among the final sample, 370 lost spouses between 2006 and 2010, and 3,266 remained married throughout the observation period. Preliminary results from latent growth curve models showed that several characteristics of friendship including contact frequency and strain from friends are significantly associated with cognitive function at baseline. Furthermore, strain from friends interacted with widowhood status and gender to shape cognitive trajectories. Specifically, higher friendship strain was associated with a faster cognitive decline for the widowed but not for the married a pattern observed only among men but not women

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WIDOWHOOD AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

Abstract Losing a spouse is one of most painful experiences in adulthood; widowed adults often suffer from psychological difficulties. Scholars have examined how social support from close relationships such as family members and friends plays a protective role in the context of spousal loss. Given that the use of mobile technologies and internet became an important way to engage with social relationships, it is crucial to investigate the role of social media communication in the bereavement process. This study examined the moderating effects of social media communication in the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms, comparing different types of social media communication—chatting/messaging (e.g., iMessage), social media (e.g., Facebook), video-sharing (e.g., YouTube), and online community platforms (e.g., forums). From the 2021 Korea Social Integration Survey, we analyzed a sample of 5,238 respondents (aged 40+) who were ever-married. Our regression models showed that widowed respondents (9.79%) were likely to have more depressive symptoms (B = 0.19, p &amp;lt; .001) than non-widow(er)s; all types of social media communication were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, regardless of widowhood. We also found that two types of social media communication moderated the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms; such that widowed respondents who used social media (B = -0.08. p =.002) and online community platforms (B = -0.05. p = .038) more frequently had fewer depressive symptoms, compared to their counterparts. Our findings highlight the importance of examining social engagement via information and communication technologies and the potential mechanism contributing to widowed adults’ well-being.