Fear of Death in Widows: Effects of Age at Widowhood and Suddenness of Death

This study investigated how widows' fears of death are affected by their age at widowhood and suddenness of death. Researchers administered the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale to 423 participants, categorized according to age (50 and 51) and suddenness of death (expected, unexpected, and non-widowed). No significant differences in fears of the dying process were found among groups. Fears of death of others and death of self were influenced by a significant effect of age: younger women expressed greater fears than older women. A significant interaction between age and suddenness of death was found regarding fear of death of others. Results are discussed and implications for research and practice are suggested.