EXPLORING LOSS AND BEREAVEMENT IN MARRIAGE: QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF YOUNG WIDOWS’ LIVED EXPERIENCES IN CAPE COAST, GHANA

Abstract

The death of a spouse is a painful life experience. It comes with many challenges and adjustments in the life of the surviving spouse. This painful experience may be more difficult for younger spouses. This research explores the lived experiences of young widows in Ghana by throwing more light on the challenges young widows face as well as the coping strategies they adopt. A qualitative study using a phenomenological research design was adopted to appreciate the lived experiences of spousal bereavement from the perspective of young Christian Ghanaian widows. Through the multistage sampling procedure, a total of 23 young widows were recruited and interviewed for the study. Data were analysed thematically with predetermined themes as well as inductively-generated sub-themes and critically discussed and compared with existing literature. The findings from the interviews revealed that the death of spouses present traumatising experiences for widows and breaking the news to their children was really devastating. The study further revealed that young widows encounter physical, financial, social and emotional challenges. In dealing with some of the challenges, young widows relied on investments they had made with their husbands and engaging in additional work; support from friends and family; and spiritual support through religious activities. Implications for policy and practice have been discussed.   Keywords: Young widows, marriage, widowhood rites, counselling, Ghana.