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Systematic review of the emotional state and self‐management of widows

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  • Anne Lise Holm
  • Elisabeth Severinsson

Abstract

The death of a partner in later life is generally experienced as the most stressful normative life event. This study reviewed evidence about the emotional state of widows. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in the review. A systematic search was made of the OVID Medline, PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost/Academic Search Premier databases using the following search words: “depression”, “elderly”/“older”, “emotional state”, “mood”, “self‐management”, “widows”, and “women” for the period January 2000 to December 2010. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria, and a qualitative content analysis was used to review them. The findings revealed one main theme: “A struggle to perceive meaning in the meaningless”, which was based on three themes: “Numbing the pain and struggling to control feelings”, “Feeling sad, yet trying to maintain close emotional relationships and meaningful activities”, and “The process of change and self‐management dominated by resilience”. The widows seemed overwhelmed by the need to overcome an unbearable emotional state. The resilience process was experienced as a struggle, and they required time to improve their well‐being and self‐management. To achieve self‐management, nurses should strengthen widows' optimism, control, well‐being, and the pathways that lead to recovery.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne Lise Holm & Elisabeth Severinsson, 2012. "Systematic review of the emotional state and self‐management of widows," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 14(1), pages 109-120, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:nuhsci:v:14:y:2012:i:1:p:109-120
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2011.00656.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Toni L. Bisconti & C. S. Bergeman & Steven M. Boker, 2004. "Emotional Well-Being in Recently Bereaved Widows: A Dynamical Systems Approach," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(4), pages 158-167.
    2. Anthony D. Ong & C. S. Bergeman & Toni L. Bisconti, 2004. "The Role of Daily Positive Emotions During Conjugal Bereavement," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(4), pages 168-176.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anne Lise Holm & Elisabeth Severinsson & Astrid Karin Berland, 2019. "The Meaning of Bereavement Following Spousal Loss: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Older Adults," SAGE Open, , vol. 9(4), pages 21582440198, December.

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