An Exploratory Study: Life Satisfaction of Elderly Widows.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to study differences between low and high life satisfaction groups among 120 widows, ages 50 and above, from a variety of economic backgrounds. These widows were drawn on voluntary basis from nine senior citizen centers in Oakl and County. The seven null hypotheses generated to formulate a data base which can be utilized to study more effectively this growing population stated that there were no significant differences in life satisfaction between those widows who have weekly contact with family members; who have one close friend; who have participated in social, service, or religious organizations, who have perceived their health as good; who have had a career they enjoyed; and who have successfully coped with past life crises and those widows who have not. Many demographic variables including age, income, and education were also examined. The three measuring instruments utilized in this study were: The Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) developed by B. L. Neugarten, R. J. Havighurst, and S. S. Tobin in 1961; The Checklist for Life Evaluation and Personal Information Sheet; and the Individual Interview Schedule. All 120 widows were inventoried with the first two instruments while only 20 were studied via an individual interview with the third instrument. For purposes of this study life satisfaction was defined as: the self-assessed scores derived from the Life Satisfaction Index and measured against demographic items and the researcher's questionnaire. The one null hypothesis which was accepted dealt with those widows who have weekly contact with family members and those who do not. Significant differences were found to exist in the areas addressed by the remaining six null hypotheses. Among the significant findings were results which portray the high satisfaction widow as one who is optimistic, has good self-esteem, has formed and continues to form good social relationships, and has at least one activity which is important to her. Findings also suggest that the low satisfaction widow is often depressed, does not have any one activity she enjoys, and has very little self-esteem.