Qualitative analysis of continuing bonds after the loss of a partner in elderly widows
Abstract
The primary aim of this research study was a qualitative analysis of continuing bonds in women after the loss of a partner. The sub-goals were to analyse the quality of the pre-death relationship with a partner and to analyse the rituals used during the grieving process. The research sample consisted of 10 elderly widows. Age of participants ranged from 56 to 83 years (M = 71,4 years; SD = 3,07), length of the relationship with a partner ranged from 32 to 59 years (M = 46,9 years; SD = 8,6) and time elapsed since the loss ranged from 9 months to 10 years, 4 months (M = 47,5 months; SD = 11,26). Data were obtained by semi-structured interviews, aimed to explore more in-depth experiences of widowed participants. Consensual Qualitative Research was used to analyse the data. The data analysis resulted in 3 domains: Forms of continuing bonds in widows after the loss of a partner, Forms of rituals in widows after the loss of a partner, Positively and negatively perceived aspects of the relationship quality. Based on the obtained data, the typical case of experiencing continuing bonds to a partner in widowed women was described. The forms of continuing bonds are diverse, they can be experienced positively, ambivalently, or negatively. They may mean a continuation of various aspects of the pre-loss relationship, offering new opportunities for the relationship to change or progress after death. The results are interpreted and discussed in line with previous research findings.
https://doi.org/10.29364/epsy.382
(Fulltext in Slovak)
Keywords
widowhood, loss of a partner, continuing bonds, quality of relationship, qualitative analysisLiterature
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