Stress And Life Satisfaction Among Single Parent: A Study of Coping Mechanisms

Abstract

The mortality risk escalates with advancing age among married couples. The lifestyle of widowed mothers differs from that of non-widowed mothers. Upon the death of a spouse, an individual experiences a decrease in their social engagement and participation, resulting in the loss of various social responsibilities and tasks. Widowed mothers often experience a shift in their lifestyle because of their children. Children have the potential to impact an individual's overall sense of contentment in life. Widowhood exerts a significant influence on the physical, economical, and emotional well-being, leading to a decrease in total life contentment. Life satisfaction among widowed mothers is a crucial measure of overall happiness in life. Widowed mothers may view the death of their spouse as a traumatic event that shatters their dreams, hope, sense of safety, control, faith, the meaning of life, and purpose. The experience of widowhood is highly individualized and influenced by various factors, including the timing of this change within the life cycle and the individual's social group and culture. Widowhood is correlated with heightened levels of stress. Individuals consider the loss of a spouse as posing difficulties in their lives and imposing several responsibilities and obligations that are beyond their control. Various obstacles are encountered following the loss of a spouse in diverse manners. The successful expression of life pleasure following the physical and emotional loss experienced by a widow, as well as the lack of regular contact with family and friends, may be attributed to these factors. Widowed mothers often have lower levels of life satisfaction.