Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Spousal Loss, Depressive Symptoms, and Religious Involvement: Immediate Impact and Trajectories in Late Life
Xinfang Yu1, Jong Hyun Jung2, Hyo Jung Lee3
1Department of Sociology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Abstract:
Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data, we examined the immediate and long-term buffering effects of religious involvement on late-life spousal loss. Using seven waves of data (2006-2018) from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 4714; Obs. = 18,212), we conducted ordinary least squares regression and growth curve analyses. Recent spousal loss was strongly associated with increased depressive symptoms, which gradually decreased over time. Religious involvement buffered the association between a recent loss and depressive symptoms. However, no buffering effect was observed for the changes in depressive symptoms over time. Religious involvement significantly mitigated the immediate effects of spousal loss on depressive symptoms. However, its long-term buffering effects on changes in depressive symptoms are limited. Future studies should consider alternative coping resources that may protect individuals against the negative effects of the loss of a spouse and facilitate the maintenance of mental health over time.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
Resilience
Ending Relationships
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Close Relationships and Culture
Relationship Formation
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

