Abstract

STEDILE, Taline; MARTINI, Maria Ivone Grilo  and  SCHMIDT, Beatriz. Elderly women and their experience after widowhood. Pesqui. prát. psicossociais [online]. 2017, vol.12, n.2, pp. 327-343. ISSN 1809-8908.

The aim of this study was to understand the perception of the elderly women about resources that favored the process of adapting to widowhood, and the changes in their lives, at least two years after the death of their spouse. Three widows answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Qualitative content analysis pointed out initial difficulties related to the need for realignment of interpersonal relationships and routine. It might be noted that the closeness in family relationships, perceived social support and spirituality were characterized as important resources, minimizing the feeling of loneliness triggered by the death of their mate. The possible influence of socioeconomic variables in the grief process was discussed. The importance of professionals knowing the impact caused by widowhood and, thus, offering emotional support, was highlighted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent psychopathological symptoms as well as to promote health and quality of life in old age.

Keywords : Grief; Death and dying; Aging-psychological aspects; Family relations; Marital relations.

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