Mental Health of Older Widows and Widowers Which Coping Strategies are Most Protective?

• In Event: 3157 - Neglected Topics in Mental Health Research

Abstract

Spousal loss is a distressing life event, yet its mental health consequences vary widely based on characteristics of the survivor, decedent, and nature of the death. Coping strategies employed to manage bereavement-related stress and the consequences thereof for mental health have not been explored thoroughly, however. Conceptual models of stress and coping propose that problem-focused approaches are typically more effective than emotion-focused strategies in managing stress; however, efforts to change the problematic situation are not feasible in the case of death. Rather, emotion-focused strategies such as avoidance, positive reframing, and help-seeking may be protective in the face of irrevocable events. This study explores the extent to which the adoption of emotion-focused coping strategies affect older widow(er)s’ anger, depressive, and grief symptoms one year later, and whether these patterns differ by gender. Data are from the Changing Lives of Older Couples (CLOC) study, a prospective multiwave study of spousal loss in late life. Analyses control for sociodemographics, health, social integration, and a baseline measure of mental health which may guide the selection of one’s coping strategy. Strategies to enhance one’s mood like trying to forget, or dulling the pain with alcohol use are linked with more severe symptoms of depression and anger; substance use has a significantly larger detrimental effect for men than women. Seeking comfort from God is highly protective for anger symptoms only. Seeking help from a doctor predicts heightened anger and depressive symptoms in a baseline model, although these effects are wholly accounted for by selection. The study results reveal that no single coping strategy is uniformly protective for diverse mental health outcomes, and the emotion-focused coping strategies employed in the early stages of loss may be a consequence rather than cause of one’s current mental health symptoms. Implications for stress theories and mental health practice are discussed.

Author

• Deborah Carr, Boston University