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. 2009 Jan;7(1):37-49.
doi: 10.4103/0973-1229.40648.

Psychological aspects of widowhood and divorce

J K Trivedi  1 , Himanshu Sareen, Mohan Dhyani
Affiliations

Psychological aspects of widowhood and divorce

J K Trivedi et al. Mens Sana Monogr. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

Despite advances in standard of living of the population, the condition of widows and divorced women remains deplorable in society. The situation is worse in developing nations with their unique social, cultural and economic milieu, which at times ignores the basic human rights of this vulnerable section of society. A gap exists in life expectancies of men and women in both developing and developed nations. This, coupled with greater remarriage rates in men, ensures that the number of widows continues to exceed that of widowers. Moreover, with women becoming more educated, economically independent and aware of their rights, divorce rates are increasing along with associated psychological ramifications. The fact that widowed/divorced women suffer from varying psychological stressors is often ignored. It has been concluded in various studies that such stressors could be harbingers of psychiatric illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance dependence), and hence should be taken into account by treating physicians, social workers and others who come to the aid of such women. A change in mindset of the society is required before these women get their rightful place, for which a strong will is needed in the minds of the people, and in law-governing bodies.

Keywords: Depression, Anxiety; Divorce; Psychiatry; Psychological aspects; Substance dependence; Widowhood.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicting interests in relation to the content or preparation of this manuscript.

The first author (J.K.T.) conceptualized, guided and edited the manuscript. The second author (H.S.) prepared and researched the manuscript. The third author (M.D.) proof read the manuscript and modified it for resubmission

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