"The deceased has left; the alive has to move on": Experiences of Chinese Widows in the UK. Issue 8 (14th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bennett, Kate Mary; Chao, Qiuling; Roper, Louise; Lowers, Victoria
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 42:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 498
• Page End: 507
• Publication Date: 2018-09-14
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1387617
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Relatively little is known about the experiences of Chinese widows, especially those living outside China. This qualitative study examines the experiences of eight Chinese or Hong Kong-born widows living in the UK. Using a semistructured approach to interviewing, participants were asked about their lives before, during, and after their spousal bereavement. Five major themes emerged: (1) complexity of marital lives; (2) experiences around the time of the death including fate; (3) loneliness and isolation; (4) the challenges of practical tasks; and finally, (5) current life. The implications of the findings for social policy and practice are briefly discussed.