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Role function as a mode of grief response in elderly Chinese widows
Abstract
Although grief response in relation to spousal bereavement has been widely studied, most of the research has been conducted in Western countries, with limited numbers focusing on role function as a mode of grief response. This study explored the applicability of a theoretical model for influencing role function of elderly Chinese widows. The impact of the death event, demographic variables, affect traits, perceived coping, health, and social support were postulated to influence role function. Coping process including perceived coping, health, and social support, was theorized to function as a moderator, influencing the relationship between selected factors of the impact of the death event, demographic variables, affect traits, and role function. The sample for the study consisted of 80 Chinese widows 55 years or older who responded to questionnaires. Applicability of the model was examined through correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analysis of data from 76 usable subjects. Variables in the model explained 28% of the variance in role function. Higher stress of the death event and increased anxiety, depression, and hostility predicted decreased role function. Contrary to the predicted positive effect, social support, health, and perceived coping, as moderating factors, minimally influenced the relationship between the selected factors of the impact of the death event, demographic characteristics, affect traits, and role function. Limitations of the study, implications for further research, and use of findings are discussed.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Gerontology
Recommended Citation
McArthur, Marilyn Joann Lang, "Role function as a mode of grief response in elderly Chinese widows" (1995). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9538643.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9538643