CONJUGAL BEREAVEMENT IN THE ELDERLY: MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES (GRIEF, WIDOWS, AGING)

Abstract

The present study explored aspects of grieving in elderly widowed women. Sixteen widowed and eight married control group subjects, aged 60 and above, participated in this research. Medical, psychological and self-reported health variables were assessed. Women were interviewed between 1 and 4 years following the loss of the spouse.;The results indicated that elderly widows demonstrated a tendency to express their feelings more than did married women, as measured by the Repression-Sensitization Scale. The widows did not reveal significantly greater pathology scores on medical variables as compared to their married counterparts. Sixty three percent of the widows sought psychological aid at some point prior to the interview.;Differences occurring within the widowed group were revealed by the Repression-Sensitization Scale. Sensitizers expressed more fears and depression, as well as a greater number of self-reported and medical problems.