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Differences in bereavement reactions within couples following death of a child
Author(s) -
Moriarty Helene J.,
Carroll Ruth,
Cotroneo Margaret
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
research in nursing and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1098-240X
pISSN - 0160-6891
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-240x(199612)19:6<461::aid-nur2>3.0.co;2-m
Subject(s) - hostility , distress , psychology , psychological distress , psychological intervention , clinical psychology , psychiatry , mental health
Differences in distress within couples who have experienced the sudden death of a child were examined. Results from two independent samples ( N = 50 couples and N = 60 couples) were compared. The SCL‐90‐R and the BSI were used to measure global psychological distress and distress in nine symptom dimensions. Paired t tests revealed similar findings in the two samples: Within couples, women had significantly greater global distress than men and significantly greater distress than men in most symptom dimensions. Hostility scores within couples were similar and indicated a high level of hostility. The findings may explain relational problems observed within bereaved couples. Interventions designed to help couples cope with their differences and their hostility may decrease relational problems. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.