The effects of personality and psychosocial factors on grief resolution

Margaret Elizabeth Woltjer, Purdue University

Abstract

Little is known about the impact of personality and psychosocial factors in adjusting to the loss of a spouse. There is some evidence that the stress of a loss can trigger a pathological grief reaction. However, few studies have investigated the interrelationship between personality and factors such as coping strategies and social support in more typical responses to grief. The purpose of this study was to explore these relationships in a group of widows during the first two years of bereavement by applying a model based on Lewin's theory regarding the relationship between the person and her environment. Sixty widows between the ages of 46 and 85 were interviewed at some time between nine months and two years following the death of their spouse. The results indicated that the women who perceived themselves to be making a good adjustment to changes in roles and routines reported less intensity of grief. The use of coping strategies involving social support-seeking behaviors and passivity were related to more intense grief, while greater support from family and friends was related to less grief. The best predictors of greater grief were the perception of poor adjustment and the use of support-seeking behaviors. For the women in this study it appeared that when grief was more intense the use of support-seeking behaviors may be inadequate to offset distress, or that these behaviors are utilized ineffectively and in combination with other behaviors such as passivity, creating more distress rather than reducing it. In general, the model based on Lewin's theory was useful in explaining the results of the study.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Swensen, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy

COinS