Kitson Gay C, Lopata Helena Znaniecka, Holmes William M, Meyering Suzanne M
Case Western Reserve University.
Center for the Comparative Study of Social Roles.
Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1980 Apr;50(2):291-301. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-0025.1980.tb03291.x.
Based on findings from age-standardized survey data, divorced women feel more restricted in their relationships with others and have less favorable attitudes toward their ex-spouses than do widows. The greater clarity of the widowed role may provide more social support and ease adjustment to the end of a marriage for the widow in ways unavailable to the still somewhat stigmatized status of the divorcee.
