Life stress, social support, and depression levels in mid- and older-aged individuals experiencing bereavement of a spouse in Taiwan

Abstract

This research aimed to explore life stress, available social support, and depression levels in mid- and older-aged individuals experiencing the bereavement of a spouse. We excluded subjects who were remarried, living with companions, divorced but not remarried, separated, or never married, resulting in a final sample of 1,231 subjects. Analyses indicated that a significant level of stress related to health, finances, and family relationships was associated with higher levels of life stress and depression. Individuals with family and friends who were less willing to listen or who cared less tended to suffer from more severe symptoms of depression.