New Widows Hurt the Most

The first year is the worst for widows. During this time of
transition, many widows suffer a major drop in mental and physical
health, according to recent research. Fortunately, most of these women
eventually bounce back.

"Our data indicates that becoming a widow has a negative impact on
mental health," writes lead researcher Sara Wilcox from the University of
South Carolina. Widows were "more impaired than married women on measures
of social functioning, depressed mood and overall mental health,"

Recent widows had a significantly higher rate of depression and
poor mental health. They were more likely to be smokers and have a
sedentary lifestyle. However, married women did drink more alcohol than
widows.

After three years, the mental health of widows did improve. They
were more positive and socially active. Wilcox suggests the improvement
may stem from no longer caring for an ill spouse, or the development of
positive coping strategies.

Wilcox examined the physical and mental health of 72,247 married
and widowed women then reexamined them three years later. The study
appeared in the September issue of the American Psychological
Association's
Health Psychology.