The role of grief, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in the use of bereavement services.
This study examined the role of psychological distress in the use of bereavement services at six months post-loss by 250 bereaved spouses in the Changing Lives of Older Couples study. Approximately 52% (129) used services, commonly provided by physicians and clergy. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that Black race, higher educational level, elevated depressive symptoms, anxiety, and grief were related to greater service use. Other predisposing, enabling, and need variables were not related to service use. Findings suggest the need for outreach and education with physicians and clergy and the importance of an accessible, comprehensive range of community-based bereavement services.
Gerontology Institute, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, USA. ebergman@ithaca.edu
Elizabeth J
EJ
Bergman
School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
William E
WE
Haley
School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Brent J
BJ
Small
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001601:Bereavement; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012649:Self Concept; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017805:Widowhood / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data