New directions in bereavement research: exploration of gender differences

Abstract

Psychological research on the phenomena of bereavement has moved from a concern to establish the range and severity of mental and physical health consequences, to the examination of factors that make particular persons or subgroups especially vulnerable, to most recently an investigation of ways of coping with loss that may influence the course of recovery and adjustment. This trend is illustrated by exploring gender differences in reactions to spousal bereavement. Both males and females are vulnerable to ailments and illnesses on becoming bereaved, but research has shown that widowers have even more excessive detrimental consequences than widows. A new framework that has been developed to help understanding of such processes in coping with loss is outlined.