USE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT SEEKING IN COPING WITH CONJUGAL BEREAVEMENT (BEREAVEMENT).
Contributors: University of Rochester.
Published: 1989
Number of pages: 235
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Psychology, Social.
Description: Although social support seeking has been recognized as a potentially effective coping strategy in conjugal bereavement, explanation and prediction of its use and effectiveness over time have been limited. This study explored the applicability of a theoretical model for predicting use and effectiveness of social support seeking in coping with the spouse's death over a two-year period. Sociodemographic characteristics, bereavement distress, and health problems were hypothesized to directly and indirectly predict use and effectiveness of social support seeking. Indirect effects were hypothesized to operate through a mediating mechanism of resource synergism. Resource synergism was defined as the joint effect of the interpersonal-focused function of coping efficacy and the coping assistance function of social support, such that when operating simultaneously, each enhances the other's functional efficiency.

Utilizing an existing data set, the sample for this secondary analysis consisted of 370 middle-aged and elderly widowed adults who were interviewed six weeks, six months, one year, eighteen months, and two years after their spouse's death. Applicability of the model was examined through hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Variables in the model explained less than 25% of variance in use and effectiveness of social support seeking across time. Female gender and higher coping efficacy significantly predicted greater use and effectiveness of social support seeking across time. Resource synergism represented a cognitive phenomenon comprised of helpful cognitive-oriented coping strategies and received cognitive support. Contrary to the hypothesized negative effect, resource synergism resulted in greater use and effectiveness of social support seeking. Substantiation of mediation was weak and inconsistent.

Results suggested that one model for predicting both use and effectiveness of social support seeking over a two-year bereavement period was not feasible. Prediction may be enhanced by specifying models in terms of use or effectiveness, length of widowhood, type of bereavement distress, and type of social support. Significance of the study, recommendations for future research and theory development, and clinical implications were addressed.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-09, Section: B, page: 4278.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, 1989.

School code: 0188.