Social Support and Technological Connectedness as Protective Factors in Bereavement

Bereavement is associated with heightened risk of mental and physical health impairments as well as social isolation. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of social support and technological connectedness on major depressive disorder (MDD), complicated grief (CG), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and quality of life. Participants were 293 community-based bereaved individuals (mean age = 61.5 years) who completed a baseline interview and a follow-up interview at an average of 5.9 and 10.6 months postloss. At baseline, subjects reported using the Internet (58.7%), e-mail (49.5%), and/or cellular phones (49.2%). Overall social support was protective against MDD, PTSD, and CG and associated with better quality of life. Internet and e-mail use at baseline and follow-up were associated with increased energy levels at follow-up, after control for confounding influences (e.g., chronic physical conditions, history of psychiatric disorders). Though not conclusive, our results suggest potential protection against psychiatric illness secondary to bereavement (MDD, PTSD, CG) and enhanced quality of life afforded by Internet and e-mail use.