Dimensions of Widowhood in Later Life

Based on a study of 902 men and women aged 70 to 79, it was concluded that no generalizations about the social psychological effects of widowhood could be made that would hold among all subgroups even in this limited sample. The social impact of widowhood is more dear-cut. Amonq working-class women, widowhood is associated with income inadequacy, which is associated with lower automobile use, lower social participation, and higher loneliness and anxiety. Widowhood has a much less pronounced social impact among other subgroups.