Coping strategies of older widows following the loss of a partner: A qualitative interview study

Aim: The aim of this article is to investigate and describe the coping strategies of elderly widows. Theoretical base: The grieving process is well described in the literature. However, in real life, it is always necessary to respect the uniqueness of the process for each individual. Most previous studies have focused on difficulties of the bereaved and their risk of dying. More recently, the strengths of the bereaved and how they develop have also been emphasised. A dual-proces model of coping with bereavement was used. It is based on loss-oriented and restoration-oriented strategies and the oscillation between them. In the Czech context, there is a lack of research based on this dual-process model describing coping strategies after the loss of a loved one. Methods: The paper presents the results of ethically demanding research using semi-structured interviews with 15 elderly widows. The authors based the model on a questionnaire survey using a qualitative methodology because of the aspiration to describe the strategies of individual women in detail. Results: The output is a description of coping strategies, categorized into loss- and recovery-oriented approaches, used by elderly women to navigate the period following their partner's death. Conclusion: Describing how the women interviewed have coped with their challenging life situation could inspire not only other elderly women but also their relatives and aid workers who come into contact with this target group.