Older adults' response to the loss of a spouse: the function of spirituality in understanding the grieving process.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the role of spirituality in helping older adults grieve the loss of a spouse in the context of a model of group psychotherapy.

METHODS

Twenty-four older adults, ranging in age from 65 to 82, whose spouses had died in the previous year, were assigned, in groups of six, to a 14-week group therapy intervention facilitated by trained, experienced co-therapist social workers. All sessions were audio recorded.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis of the four therapy groups at beginning, middle and ending sessions yielded salient themes that illustrate associations between spirituality and shifts in self-identity, mourning the loss and social re-engagement.

DISCUSSION

Observed were within process acknowledgement of the role played by spiritual beliefs in mourning the loss of a spouse. Implications for group intervention for older adults grieving the loss of a spouse are discussed.