Gender difference and age factor in Loneliness, Depression and Social Network effects of widowhood

Abstract- Losing a spouse in later life is known to have profound effects on well-being and is an event which provokes important life changes. Widowhood often is accompanied by emotional distress, physical symptoms, compromised health behaviors, potentially disruptive residential relocations and economic strains triggered by both the direct costs of medical care and funeral arrangements at the end of a spouse’s life, as well as the loss of the spouse’s income. In the scenario of present day India with the advent of modernization; liberalization, competition and technological advancement the problems of widows have increased, which can lead to intense frustration amongst them, resulting in stress, depression and other forms of adaptive behavior if their patterns of reactions to frustration is not appropriate. The lower levels of loneliness are associated with marriage, higher education and higher income; whereas higher levels of loneliness are associated with living alone, infrequent contact with friends and family, physical health symptoms, small social network, lack of a spousal confidant, poor quality social relationships, and divorce and widowhood. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to investigate the loneliness, depression and social network of widowhood based on gender and age factors. Method: For the purpose the study which consists of 30 widows and 30 widowers from rural and urban areas of Hyderabad. The age range of the widows and widowers is 40yrs