Women‘s vulnerability after the loss of a spouse or partner: Correlation with self-criticism and the ability to self-reassure

Abstract

The loss of a spouse or partner can cause deep vulnerability in women and affect their psychological well-being. Grieving individuals differ in their level of vulnerability, and one possible factor could be their attitude towards themselves. Existing research suggests that self-critical people are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems than people who are more adept at self-reassurance. However, no research has yet examined whether self-critical people are more vulnerable in the grieving process following the death of a partner. This study involved 168 women between the ages of 30 and 60 who had lost their spouse or partner between one and a half and five years prior to the study. Participants completed the Adult Attitude Grief Scale (AAG), which measures vulnerability after the death of a loved one, and the Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS), which measures self-criticism (inadequate self and hated self) and the capacity for self-reassurance. Results showed a strong positive correlation between vulnerability after the death of a loved one and self-criticism (particularly the perception of one‘s self as inadequate) and a moderate positive correlation with the hated self. In addition, a strong negative correlation was found between vulnerability and the ability to self-reassure. This suggests that women who exhibit higher levels of vulnerability after the loss of a spouse or partner show greater self-criticism and a lower capacity for self-reassurance. These findings highlight the need for further research and the development of therapeutic approaches and practical interventions aimed at enhancing self-reassurance and reducing self-criticism in bereaved women.