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Psychological resilience and the well-being of widowed women

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Abstract

The majority of older women in enduring relationships contend with conjugal bereavement. Although most experience considerable distress in the immediate aftermath of this loss, the majority adjusts over the course of time. The current study applies the theory of psychological resilience (or hardiness) to this topic. Results of this study suggest that psychological resilience is significantly associated with both satisfaction with life and (inversely) with psychiatric distress (N=232). These findings emerged despite statistical control for a myriad of sociodemographic factors (e.g., years married, preparation for death, duration of widowhood). Of the resilience factors, commitment to living appears most salient with respect to the well-being of widowed women. Limitations of the use of the Internet as a vehicle for data collection are considered as well as directions for future study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Suite #2800, V6B 5K3, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Norm O’Rourke Ph.D.

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  1. Norm O’Rourke Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Norm O’Rourke Ph.D..

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Norm O’Rourke, Ph.D., R.Psych, is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor with the Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University (associate member of the Department of Psychology). Previously published research has examined affective disorders among older adults, the relative efficacy of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of geriatric depression, couples coping with illness, and family caregiving.

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O’Rourke, N. Psychological resilience and the well-being of widowed women. Ageing Int. 29, 267–280 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-996-1002-x

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