The study was on locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy as predictors of widows’ emotional adjustment and life-satisfaction in Anambra State, Nigeria. It aims to examine whether these psychological variables could be used to improve widows’ emotional adjustment and life-satisfaction.
The three locus of control dimensions (internal locus, chance, and powerful others) and the two self-efficacy dimensions (general self-efficacy and social self-efficacy) were used to study locus of control and self-efficacy. Using cluster and purposive sampling methods, 887 participants/widows were selected from Anambra State, Nigeria. The participants had a minimum educational level of senior secondary school, mean age of 52.2 years, mean number of 4 children and mean widowhood length of 8.5 years. Locus of control, fear of death, self-efficacy, emotional adjustment, and life satisfaction were measured on 5-point scale using locus of control scale, fear of death scale, self-efficacy scale, emotional adjustment measures, and satisfaction with life scale respectively. The study had cross-sectional design. The collected data which attained interval measurement were analyzed with hierarchical regression.
The results showed that locus of control were significant predictors of emotional adjustment of widows. Internal locus (β = .22, p< .001) and social self-efficacy (β = .10, p = .003) were also significant predictors of widows’ life satisfaction. Fear of death (β = .01, n.s.), chance (β = .03, n.s.), powerful others (β = -.04, n.s.), and general self-efficacy (β = .02, n.s.) did not predict widows’ life satisfaction. Finally, there was significant negative correlation between emotional adjustment and life satisfaction of widows (r = -.11, p < .001). Recommendations were made for widows to engage personal development that will equip them with skills that enhance general self-efficacy. Again, more studies need to be carried out in Igboland at large in order to know if similar results would be obtained. The implication of the study is that widows will achieve emotional adjustment and life satisfaction if they believe in their competence rather than societal solidarity.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Objectives of the Study
1.6 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Theoretical Review
2.2 Conceptual Review
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Review
2.5 Hypotheses
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Participants
3.2 Instruments
3.3 Procedures
3.4 Design/Statistics
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
4.1 Summary of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSIONS
CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Summary
6.2 Conclusion
6.3 Recommendations
Research Objectives & Key Themes
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the predictive relationship between psychological variables—specifically locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy—and the emotional adjustment and life satisfaction of widows in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study seeks to determine whether these personal characteristics can serve as resources to mitigate the negative psychological impacts often associated with cultural and social mourning practices.
- Predictive power of locus of control dimensions (internal, chance, powerful others) on emotional adjustment.
- Influence of fear of death on the emotional stability and life satisfaction of widows.
- Impact of self-efficacy (general and social dimensions) on the coping mechanisms of bereaved women.
- The relationship between widows' emotional adjustment and their overall life satisfaction within a challenging social environment.
- Evaluation of how individual psychological traits can help widows resist harmful cultural mourning practices.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background to the Study
Being a widow is stigmatizing (Parker, 2016) and carries with it social miseries (Chowdhury, Brahma, Mondal, & Biswas, 2016). Psychological conditions and experiences of many widows in many developing countries are appalling (Trivedi, Sareen, & Dhyani, 2009). The widows’ experiences could be associated with social and cultural practices relating to mourning. In Nigeria, especially among the Igbo people, the situation seems to be exacerbated (Idialu, 2012). These deplorable psychological conditions and experiences are ignored as inconsequential generational issues (Trivedi, Sareen, & Dhyani, 2009). These experiences could affect the widows’ emotional adjustment and life satisfaction. Yet, studies on widows’ emotional adjustment and life satisfaction in Anambra State, Nigeria, seem scarce. More attention seems to be focused on the social and cultural practices of widowhood than widows’ emotional adjustment and life satisfaction. This created dearth of knowledge about widows’ psychological state, especially with the recent observation by Lissitsa and Chachashvili-Bolotin (2016) that young people experience life satisfaction more than older people.
Despite the inevitability of death, many widows still seem to be afraid of death, and have therefore failed to bolster important positive components and functionality of the self and healthy adjustment (Cozzolino, Blackie, & Meyes, 2015). Death of a husband is one of the life experiences that exposes a widow to what Okonkwo, Onuibe, Okoro, and Madu (2015) referred to as emotional exhaustion. Widows usually experience psychological challenges like social anxiety disorder (Wagner, Cecconello, Dalbos, & Peccin, 2014) and depression (Sasson, & Umberson, 2014). To cope with many of the psychological challenges, emotional adjustment and improved life satisfaction could be the behavioural systems that widows need while mourning their dead husbands.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the study, focusing on the social and psychological challenges widows face, particularly in Anambra State, and outlines the research questions and objectives.
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: This section reviews existing theories and empirical studies related to locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy, providing the theoretical grounding for the study.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the study design, participant selection, and the psychometric instruments used for data collection and analysis.
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS: This chapter presents the statistical data collected, including correlations and hierarchical multiple regressions to test the study hypotheses.
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSIONS: This section interprets the study findings, compares them with previous research, and explores the implications for widows' psychological well-being.
CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the core findings, provides a conclusion on the study's significance, and offers practical recommendations for social support interventions.
Key Terms
Locus of Control, Fear of Death, Self-Efficacy, Emotional Adjustment, Life Satisfaction, Widowhood, Mourning, Bereavement, Psychological Well-being, Social Support, Igbo Culture, Anambra State, Social Anxiety, Attribution Theory, Mental Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research explores how personal psychological traits—specifically locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy—predict the emotional adjustment and life satisfaction of widows in Anambra State, Nigeria.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
Key themes include the psychological impact of spousal loss, the role of cultural mourning practices in Anambra State, individual coping mechanisms, and the importance of psychological variables in maintaining well-being.
What is the overarching research goal?
The goal is to determine if enhancing specific psychological variables like self-efficacy and internal locus of control can help widows successfully navigate the mourning process and maintain a satisfactory quality of life.
Which scientific methodology does the study utilize?
The study employs a cross-sectional, quantitative design, using hierarchical multiple regression to analyze data from 887 participants measured through standardized psychological scales.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers a comprehensive review of personality and coping theories, a detailed methodology section, and an extensive analysis of survey results concerning demographic factors and psychological predictors.
Which keywords best describe this dissertation?
Key terms include Widowhood, Locus of Control, Fear of Death, Self-Efficacy, Emotional Adjustment, and Life Satisfaction.
How does the cultural context of Anambra State influence the widows' experiences?
The study notes that local social and cultural mourning practices can often act as stressors; the research investigates how personal traits help widows overcome these societal pressures.
What is the significance of "internal locus of control" in this study?
The study finds that widows who possess a stronger internal locus of control are better equipped to assert agency, cope with adversity, and maintain life satisfaction despite traditional pressures.
What do the results suggest regarding social support?
The findings indicate that while social support is often lacking, fostering internal personal strengths through therapy and community support could significantly improve the emotional health of widows.
- Citation du texte
- Okechukwu Dominic Nwankwo (Auteur), 2020, Locus Of Control, Fear Of Death, And Self-Efficacy As Predictors Of Widows' Emotional Adjustment And Life Satisfaction In Anambra State, Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/540087
