Coping Strategies of Widowers in the First Year

In order to understand the coping strategies employed by widowed men, 27 widowers were interviewed 13 to 17 months following the death of their spouses utilizing a structured questionnaire. The interview was designed to assess factors relevant to adjustment, primary problem areas, and coping strategies used during the previous year. Results indicated that loneliness was the primary problem area, and secondary areas dealt with domestic chores and the acceptance of loss. A balanced coping strategy utilizing a diversity of available resources seems to provide the most support for men in weathering this life crisis.