The Unique Contribution of Key Existential Factors to the Prediction of Psychological Well-Being of Older Adults Following Spousal Loss

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the unique contribution of key existential factors to the prediction of psychological well-being of older adults following spousal loss. DESIGN AND METHOD: A number of measures to assess psychological well-being, sociodemographic standing, social resources, and religious and spiritual resources were administered to a volunteer sample of widows and widowers to test the hypothesis that existential factors such as personal meaning, religiosity, and spirituality are more potent predictors of psychological well-being than are previously hypothesized variables of sociodemographic, social support, and physical factors. RESULTS: A hierarchical regression analysis of the data supported the hypothesis that existential factors are major contributors to psychological well-being of older adults following spousal loss. Findings showed that widowers, compared to widows, scored lower on the measure of psychological well-being. IMPLICATIONS: Implications of the findings are discussed for practitioners working with bereaved spouses; suggestions for further research concerning bereavement and psychological well-being are made.