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Recent widows' kin support and orientations to self-sufficiency.
1Department of Family Relations and Human Development, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
The Gerontologist
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Widows often rely on their adult children for task support when needed, despite many being self-sufficient. Independence attitudes and past experiences influence the amount of help widows receive from their children.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Widowhood presents significant life changes, impacting social support networks.
- Understanding the role of adult children in supporting widows is crucial for well-being.
- Widows' independence attitudes may affect their help-seeking behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the adult child network in providing task support to widows.
- To determine if widows' attitudes toward independence correlate with lower levels of received task support.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from recently widowed women.
- Examination of factors influencing task support received by widows.
Main Results:
- Many widows demonstrate self-sufficiency but rely on children for necessary support.
- Widows' past experiences and independence attitudes impact the overall help received.
- Income, number of children, and perceived willingness to help influence the source of support.
Conclusions:
- Adult children are a primary source of task support for widows in areas of need.
- Widows' personal attitudes and history significantly shape their support dynamics with children.
- Interventions should consider individual differences in independence and family support availability.