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Correlates of persistent depressive symptoms in widows
1Geriatric Health Services, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Widows with persistent depressive symptoms were less likely to have worked outside the home and had poorer social support. Premorbid psychiatric history and poor social support predicted higher depression scores after spousal loss.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Identifying predictors of persistent depressive symptoms after spousal loss is crucial for early intervention.
- Bereavement can lead to significant psychological distress, with some individuals experiencing prolonged depressive symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with depressive symptom severity in widows 6-16 months post-loss.
- To identify women at risk for persistent depressive symptoms following their husbands' deaths.
Main Methods:
- Telephone interviews were conducted with 50 widows identified from death records.
- Depressive symptoms were assessed in relation to sociodemographic variables, sex role perceptions, social support quality, bereavement support sought, and psychiatric history.
Main Results:
- Widows with persistent depressive symptoms were less likely to be employed, perceived poorer interpersonal support, had higher rates of prior psychiatric disorders, and sought professional bereavement help.
- Premorbid psychiatric history and perceived interpersonal support were independent predictors of elevated Beck Depression Inventory scores.
Conclusions:
- Premorbid psychiatric history and perceived social support are key factors in identifying widows at risk for prolonged psychiatric morbidity.
- Persistent depressive symptoms one year after spousal loss may indicate a pathological condition beyond normal grieving.