ABSTRACT
This paper examines the stressors, appraisal of bereavement, coping, resources, grieving responses and health of four types of single widow parents: widows raising dependent children; widows raising a handicapped child; independent older widows with children; and dependent, ill, older widows with a child. A review of literature on single parent widow families and data from the author’s research on single parent widows served as a basis for this paper. Major gaps in knowledge include: limited research on single parent widow families including longitudinal and theory-based research; findings which are based on small samples of single parent widows who are often mixed with other single parent types; little research on single parent widows from Black, Hispanic and other ethnic groups; and few studies on resources used by widows. A secondary analysis of data from the author’s research indicated characteristics of high-risk, vulnerable, and healthy single parent widow families. High-risk single parent widow families are characterized by: presence of multiple stressors; intense grieving; appraisal of bereavement as a threat or harmful loss; use of less adaptive coping; limited use of resources; 412and poor health. Characteristics of vulnerable single parent widow families include: presence of stressors including an unresolved grieving process; negative appraisals of bereavement with hope for a more positive appraisal in the future; limited coping abilities; use of some resources such as helpful social supports; and less than optimum health which can improve with intervention. Positive meanings of bereavement, use of adaptive ways of coping, a normal grieving process, use of many resources, and good health are characteristics which are prevalent in healthy single parent widow families. Themes in common to all four family types were: the grieving process; changes in roles and responsibilities; employment; loneliness; dating and remarriage; and caregiver stress. Directions for future research and implications for family professionals are discussed.
