From Loss to Resilience: A Comprehensive Review of Widowhood and Its Impact on Well-Being

Abstract

Widowhood is a universal phenomenon that affects millions of individuals, particularly women, who often face substantial social, economic, and cultural challenges following the loss of their spouse. The experience of widowhood can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, and can also lead to enlarged social isolation, poverty, and marginalization. In India, widows are often subjected to discrimination and marginalization, unable to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. They are also vulnerable to violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Despite the incidence and effect of widowhood, there is a lack of complete understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of widowhood experiences, particularly in the context of cultural and social factors that outline these experiences. This review paper aims to discourse this gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on widowhood and its impact on well-being, with a particular focus on cultural and social factors. The review seeks to contribute to the development of a more implication and comprehensive understanding of widowhood experiences and to identify strategies for supporting the well-being and resilience of widows.