The health of conjugally bereaved older widows: the role of appraisal, coping and resources

Abstract

Relationships between bereavement, coping, resources, and health dysfunction were investigated in 100 older women (M age = 71.3 years) widowed from 1 to 12 months prior to the interview. Differences in coping for those who appraised their bereavement as either (a) harmful loss, but without major accompanying losses, (b) harmful loss with other anticipated threats, or (c) a challenge were hypothesized. Data collection included use of the Ways of Coping Checklist, Sickness Impact Profile, and appraisal of bereavement and resources. The appraisal groups differed significantly in overall problem-focused coping, wishful thinking, help seeking/avoidance, self blame, and growth-oriented coping. There was no difference in use of emotion-focused coping and ways to minimize threat and seek social support. Social support, strong religious beliefs, practice of rituals, belief in control over bereavement, and good prior mental health were related to less psychosocial and/or physical dysfunction. Greater numbers of resources, but not greater numbers of coping strategies, also were related to less psychosocial and/or physical dysfunction.