Problems and coping patterns of widows

Widowhood is the state of losing a husband and remaining unmarried (Geddes, 1979). This study involved the similarities and differences of problems encountered and coping strategies in different stages of adulthood. The chain referral method of sampling, was used to obtain 15 respondents, from the three different levels of adulthood. The in-depth interview was used in gathering the data needed. Findings show that more young and middle aged widows experienced more family problems than late adult widows. All the widows experienced health problems, as a result of the loneliness they experienced. The most common coping strategies, the widows employed is the preventive type of coping. With this the researchers found that the marital relationship of the widow has no effect on the problems encountered and coping strategies employed. While the relationship with children and the support systems of the widows only had a minimal effect