Differential Effects of Widowhood on Network and Support

Abstract

This study examines the mobilization of close and supportive relationships following widowhood and whether these trajectories differ by educational level or gender. It is assumed that widowed spouses call up social relationships to compensate for their spousal loss and accompanying cuts in subjective well-being. Using longitudinal data from the German Ageing Survey (N = 7,012; observations = 20,816), fixed effects models were estimated. Widowhood results in increases in the network size and the providers of support up to the fourth post-widowhood year. After that, starting decreases reach pre-widowed levels around seven years after widowhood. The most pronounced changes were found for widowed spouses with university degree and for widowed women. The overall mobilization of social relationships is thus limited in time and widowed spouses without vocational degree, as well as men in part, are the most vulnerable to the adverse social consequences of widowhood.

Cognitive Decline After Divorce and Widowhood: Is Marital Loss Always a Loss?

“…Despite the end of the source of these risk factors (i.e., the ill spouse), these effects can persist long after spousal death, for example, sleep disturbances were common for 10 years into widowhood ( Corey & McCurry, 2018 ). Although “learning to live again” is a central part of the widowed experience, such recovery is lengthy, and dependent on personality traits, coping practices, social-network support, and other factors, like education and sex/gender ( Bennett et al, 2005 ; Corey & McCurry, 2018 ; Klaus, 2021 ; Streeter, 2020 ). Conversely, the shock of a spouse’s sudden death may also lead to immediate cognitive declines due to both grief and the need to quickly adjust to partnerlessness.…”

Perspektiv på utsatthet och problem under åldrandet

“…Som Cantors teori förutsäger står barn "på tur" för att erbjuda stöd när en förälder blir ensamstående. Efter att man på äldre dar blivit änka/änkeman eller frånskild, tenderar egna barn, om sådana finns, att erbjuda mer hjälp och stöd en tid under transitionen, medan den äldre föräldern anpassar sig till livet som ensamstående (Bowen & Jensen 2017;Kalmijn 2013;Klaus 2021).…”

The asymmetric effects of improving and declining marital satisfaction on cognitive function

“…Social engagement patterns in relation to marital dynamic shifts may also vary by gender. Some research suggests that men are less proactive in cultivating and sustaining social ties compared to women (Klaus, 2021). Married men often engage in social activities or access social networks largely influenced by their wives' initiatives (Bookwala, 2017; Kalmijn, 2007).…”