Research Studies About Grieving the Loss of a Spouse
The incredible variance in how our brains operate from one person to another means that the way we deal with the death of a loved one can be very different. What may be a healthy way of grieving for one person might not work well for another. While someone more comfortable connecting to their emotional side during their grief process may want to listen to music or read poetry, that may not be effective for someone more analytically-inclined. This personality type may gain a sense of solace by seeking to understand their situation and acquiring knowledge about their experience. Research studies may be helpful for this type of individual who has lost a spouse. Here are a few research studies related to those who have lost their spouse:
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“The effects of widowhood on physical and mental health, health behaviors, and health outcomes: The women’s health initiative” by Sara Wilcox, Kelly R Evenson, Aaron Aragaki, Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller, Charles P Mouton, Barbara Lee Loevinger - According to this study, which samples over 70,000 Middle Aged Women, claims that the first year after the loss of a spouse is the most harmful to women’s mental health.
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“Restoring Balance–A Woman’s Expressions of Lived Experience of Everyday Life During a Period of Aging: A Case Study” by - This study explores the lives of older widows and the challenges they face during their time of grieving and practical day-to-day activities
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“Gender Differences in Grief Reactions Following the Death of a Parent” by Elizabeth Lawrence, Elizabeth Jeglic, Laura Matthews, and Carolyn Pepper - Focused on gender differences, this research studied the psychological distress, feelings of grief and bereavement, and coping strategies after the loss of a loved one.
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“Young Widows’ Grief: A Descriptive Study of Personal and Contextual Factors Associated with Conjugal Loss” by C. Ryan Dunn - Dunn studied 232 widows aged 18 to 55 in hopes of discovering factors associated with off-time conjugal grief. This is a wide-ranging study, looking at various subjects like coping orientations, psychosocial balance, and differences in religion and economic status.
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“A Metatheory of Grief: Implications for Counselors” by Catherine Beckett and Cass Dykeman - This study suggests that the effectiveness of grief support may be negatively impacted by outdated counseling models for those in mourning and offers suggestions for improving support.
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“Widows’ Time, Time Stress and Happiness: Adjusting to Loss” by Daniel S. Hamermesh, Michał Myck & Monika Oczkowska - Focused on women aged 70+, this study explores the effects of day-to-day life after the loss of a spouse, including the decline in home production, food preparation, and housework. It also compares women in the US versus those in European nations.
For certain personality types, research studies may help inform both large-scale decision-making and everyday activities. They may also provide coping techniques, and by reading studies on other people in similar situations, they can understand their own feelings and reactions.