Coping with normative stress from loss and change: A longitudinal study of rural widows

From the symbolic interaction perspective, the study examined the effect of loss of spouse on 30 rural widows in three Montana counties at 6 and 12 months after death of spouse. Participants were given a measure of psychological husband pres’. ence, a coping inventory, a health measure, and a measure of self-esteem. The results revealed a high level of adjustment among the rural widows at both 6 and 12 months after death of spouse, and a qualitative shift in the focus of the coping behaviors from 6 to 12 months after the husband’s death. These results suggest that within this select sample it is possible for widows to adjust to their new status and develop a positive and satisfying life as a single woman.