The meaning of bereavement following spousal loss - a qualitative study
of the experiences of older adults
Abstract
Bereavement and spousal loss lead to emotional and practical problems,
especially for those in failing health. The aim of this study was to
explore the meaning of bereavement in older adults after the death of
their spouse. The participants took part in in-depth interviews. The
themes and sub-themes were identified using a hermeneutic approach. One
overall theme, Struggling to maintain pride and dignity, three themes
and six sub-themes emerged. The first theme, Understanding health
decline, included one sub-theme; The difficulty asking for help. The
second theme, A painful struggle, had three sub-themes: Striving to
avoid feeling sorry for oneself, Searching for meaning when life becomes
meaningless and Sensing that one’s spouse is present. In the third
theme, Feeling misunderstood in the dialogue with others, two sub-themes
emerged: Longing for support to achieve inclusion and Togetherness is
the best medicine. It is vital to prevent older adults from carrying a
permanent state of grief with them for the rest of their life.