Gender differences in the relationship of widowhood and psychological well-being among low income elderly.
The present study examined the influence of widowhood on the psychological well-being of low income elderly women and men while controlling for a number of mediating variables. Both widows and widowers were found to have lower psychological well-being than their married counterparts once health and social network differences were controlled. Health status and social networks were the major predictors of psychological well-being. Married women reported many more stress related ailments than any other group. Among women, friends contributed more to psychological well-being than family contact. Among men, family rather than friends were more highly correlated with psychological well-being. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Lubben
J E
JE
University of California, School of Social Welfare, Los Angeles 90024.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007062:Identification, Psychological; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology; D011203:Poverty; D012847:Single Person / Q000523:psychology; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology