The Psychological Impact of Partner Loss in Older Adults: Trauma, Emotional Vulnerability, and Mental Health Consequences

Description

Page: 649-652

Brhamleen Kaur (Independent Researcher Chandigarh, India)

The death of a lifelong partner often precipitates profound grief, emotional vulnerability, and significant mental health challenges for older adults. This study examined the psychological consequences of partner loss among Indian elderly individuals through a mixed-method design. A total of 120 widowed participants aged 60 years and above (M = 68.4, SD = 5.9) were assessed using the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), Geriatric Depression Scale – Short Form (GDS-SF), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Hypothetical but realistic statistical analysis indicated that 66.7% met the clinical threshold for complicated grief, 44.2% displayed significant depressive symptoms, and 28.3% experienced trauma-related responses. Qualitative thematic analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews revealed four recurring patterns: profound loneliness, identity disruption, grief triggers, and resilience factors such as spiritual engagement and familial support. Findings suggest that bereavement in later life can function as a traumatic stressor rather than a normative adjustment process, underscoring the need for systematic grief screening, culturally sensitive counseling, and community-led interventions. This research highlights the importance of early detection and integrated psychosocial support to prevent long-term deterioration in mental health among India’s widowed elderly.