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Adjusting to widowhood: do social networks really make it easier?
The Gerontologist
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Widows experienced more negative family relationships, often due to obligations. However, non-family relationships offered flexibility and improved over time, providing a positive social support network.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Widowhood significantly impacts social relationships and support systems.
- Understanding the dynamics of family and friend relationships is crucial for widow well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the positive and negative aspects of relationships with friends and family among widows.
- To identify patterns in social interactions following bereavement.
Main Methods:
- Focus-group discussions were conducted with groups of widows.
- Relationship mentions were systematically coded as positive or negative.
Main Results:
- Approximately 40% of all relationship mentions were negative.
- Family members received a higher proportion of negative mentions compared to friends.
- Family relations were characterized by problematic obligations and unavoidable undesirable behaviors.
- Non-family relations demonstrated flexibility, with an increase in positive and decrease in negative interactions.
Conclusions:
- While family relationships presented challenges for widows, non-family relationships offered a more adaptable and positive social connection.
- The findings highlight the importance of diverse social networks for widows' adjustment and support.