In search of meaning in loss; Clarification of adaptation strategies of the elderly in the face of the death of a spouse: A qualitative study

AbstractThe death of a spouse is one of the most profound and devastating events in life for the elderly, which can cause serious problems, especially in people who are not in perfect health, and disrupt their coping capacity, thus making their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle a great challenge that only a small number of them can adapt to. Failure to use the appropriate strategies to adapt to this process can put an elderly person at greater risk of illness or even death. Since the strategies of the elderly in facing the context-based bereavement phenomenon are different from other people, the purpose of this study is to explain the strategies of the elderly in coping with the death of their spouse. Method This qualitative study was conducted with the content analysis approach. 21 elderly participants, who experienced the death of their spouse, were selected purposefully. This qualitative study was conducted with a content analysis approach. Twenty-one elderly participants with experience of spouse death were purposefully selected. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews until saturation was reached. Data were analyzed based onLundmanandGranheim'scontent analysis approach. Findings By analyzing the data, information was explained in two main categories: 1- Mental engagement with the deceased, including six subcategories (constant thinking about the deceased, similarity finding, reminiscence, paying attention to the symbols of remembrance, recalling the efforts and rumination) 2- Recovery of the bond with the deceased, including six sub-categories (participation in the burial, dealing with rituals, holding a memorial, phantom spouse, engaging in the activities of interest of the deceased and preoccupation with the belongings of the deceased). Conclusion Contrary to the written assumption, the Mental engagement with the deceased acts like a double-edged sword, depending on the intensity and duration, and sometimes not only is not destructive and harmful but also helps distract the survivor, thus creating an opportunity to accept the loss. For example some subcategories of the Mental engagement with the deceased among categorized strategies, like constant thinking or rumination with the deceased some of these subclasses like constant thinking of the deceased or rumination, which act in this way, regardless of being different in terms of semantic connotation. In such a way that for example, rumination which is in contrast to adaptation, is not necessarily negative and prohibiting. In recovery of the bond with the deceased category, similarity finding, and phantom Spouse to maintain a new and symbolic relationship with the deceased, among others, are novel strategies that are completely unconsciously utilized by most of the elderly, which are suggested to be considered for their positive effects.