Citation

Sekgobela G, Peu M, van der Wath A. Death Stud. 2021; 45(8): 603-612.

Affiliation

Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2019.1671542

PMID

31584347

Abstract

The consequences of widowhood can be overwhelming. Widows sometimes experience difficulties to obtain psychosocial support to overcome the challenges they face. In this phenomenological study, purposively selected widows were asked about their experiences of widowhood in terms of different sources of support. The analysis illuminated the meaning widows attach to different sources of psychosocial support. Participants experienced both positive and negative encounters with their sources of support. During negative encounters, widows experienced feelings of disappointment; and when their psychosocial support needs were met, they experienced a sense of happiness and a positive level of satisfaction.

Language: en