| Author: | Leung, Wai-yu Belinda |
| Title: | Adaptation to bereavement of young widows with dependent children in Hong Kong |
| Degree: | M.A. |
| Year: | 1996 |
| Subject: | Bereavement Widowhood -- China -- Hong Kong Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Department of Applied Social Studies |
| Pages: | ii, 95 leaves ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Spousal bereavement is a traumatic experience for young women with dependent children. A widow not only has to face the loss of her loved one but also has to face a disorganized situation and to bear a very heavy burden. Her usual mode of living is disrupted, her plans are altered and her views of herself and the world are invalidated. She has to go through a dark period of disorganized life overwhelmed with emotional distress and to make a lot of adjustments that take time and effort. A widow notably needs help and support. As a person cannot live in a vacuum, the process is influenced by culture norms and soical discourse. Understanding the unique needs and coping strategies of Chinese widows is deemed necessary before social service providers can provide appropriate help to them. The present study has adopted a qualitative in-depth interviewing approach to study the adaptation of five Chinese widows in Hong Kong who had dependent children at the time of bereavement. Three distinct tasks of widowhood adaptation are identified - developing an explanation, handling emotional distress and establishing new roles. Cultural factors have been taken into consideration throughout the process and the widows' coping strategies were identified. The present work also demonstrates that traditional cultural beliefs still play their role in providing persuasive explanations of the loss of the husband and that social norms and values in modern Hong Kong can aid the widows in settling emotional distress and in acquiring new roles. People's supportive attitude towards widows nowadays is also appreciated, encouraged, and advocated. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b12307129.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.1 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/3521