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Divorcees and widows: similarities and differences
Gay C Kitson1, Helena Znaniecka Lopata2, William M Holmes1
1Case Western Reserve University.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|April 1, 1980
Summary
Divorced women experience more relationship restrictions and negative feelings toward ex-spouses compared to widows. The clearer social role of widows aids marital adjustment, unlike the stigmatized status of divorcees.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Marital dissolution significantly impacts women's social integration and psychological well-being.
- Societal perceptions and role clarity influence adjustment processes following the end of a marriage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the relational experiences and attitudes of divorced women versus widows.
- To investigate the role of social support and societal stigma in marital adjustment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of age-standardized survey data.
- Comparative study of divorced women and widows.
Main Results:
- Divorced women reported greater relational restrictions than widows.
- Widows generally held more favorable attitudes toward their deceased spouses than divorced women toward their ex-spouses.
- The widowed role offers clearer social support and facilitates adjustment.
Conclusions:
- The distinct social roles of widowhood and divorce influence women's post-marital adjustment.
- Societal stigma associated with divorce may impede divorced women's social integration and well-being compared to widows.