Predictors of Loss Management and Well-Being in Later Life Widowhood and Divorce

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that seem substantially to affect the management of loss and subjective well-being of older divorced and widowed individuals. Data were obtained from 219 adults, ages 50-69 years, who were divorced or widowed within two years of interview. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that self-reported personal health was the major predictor of management of loss and well-being for both divorced and widowed respondents with positive ratings of health consistently indicating more satisfactory outcomes. For widowed respondents, time since death of the spouse emerged as a strong predictor in six of the seven criterion measures of loss and well-being. For divorced respondents, time since divorce was not a significant predictor of management of loss and well-being, but divorced women reported more feelings of helplessness/avoidance and anger/guilt/confusion than men.