Facilitating Productive Bereavement of Widows: An Overview of the Efficacy of Widow's Support Groups

Abstract

Because of gender and socialization differences, widowhood is primarily a women's issue. Bereavement associated with widowhood is generally considered to be a difficult life event replete with a myriad of complex emotions that are often further complicated by the inability of family, friends, and society to productively assist the widow through the bereavement process. Productive grieving should include the undiluted outpouring of grief, providing the widow with the opportunity and enough time to express her loss and then, to eventually accept and adjust to the loss. An overview of the literature reveals that widow's support groups provide a safe, nurturant, and mutually supportive environment which can facilitate a healthy grieving process.