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“Well if he could see me now”: the facilitators and barriers to the promotion of instrumental independence following spousal bereavement
- Authors:
- BENNETT Kate M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 53(3), April 2010, pp.215-234.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This two phase qualitative study defines independence as being able to do things oneself and freedom to choose what to do. Twenty-one widows (69-83 years, average widowhood 14 years) from urban, north western England were interviewed, at home, about traditional male-orientated tasks, pre- and post-bereavement (e.g. what changes occurred in instrumental independence following loss of their partner? What was the nature of this independence? What parameters promoted or hindered independence?). A typology of four (dependent/independent, dependent/dependent, independent/independent, independent/dependent) with most women previously, financially dependent on partners becoming independent, and only one moving in reverse was observed. All independent previously, remained so. Eight dependent women developed independence, with 2 women losing their independence with regard to domestic repairs – all these findings were close to significance. Seven women became independent in terms of obtaining MOTs and tax discs and showed autonomy as regards car servicing, with none moving in the opposite direction, which was highly significant. Some women preferred to get rid of cars, rather than become dependent on others to drive. Barriers to post-bereavement independence include pre-dependence, physical demand, anxiety about and financing tradesmen, availability of family help, poor health, disability, and lack of statutory service provision. Factors promoting independence are prior independent/shared experience, being dying partner’s carer, lack of close family, wealth, the availability of voluntary help and the influence of the widow’s father’s ideology.