Decision-making and help-seeking among Winnipeg widows
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Date
1986
Authors
Harris, Maureen Elizabeth
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore help-seeking and decision-making among widows. Secondary analysis was employed on data obtained from telephone interviews of 141 Winnipeg women, widowed from two to four years. Nine decision-making situations were examined. The most frequently made decisions were: household repairs, car repairs and estate settlement. Assistance was sought most with estate settlement, car purchases and car repairs. Assistance was sought least with social decisions. There were no significant differences in frequency of help-seeking with technical and economic decisions. The widow's children were the main helpers used. Other relatives, friends and professionals were similar in their use as helpers. Advice was the main type of help received in decision-making situations. A positive correlation was found between number of decisions made since being widowed and help-seeking. A significant but weak negative correlation was found between help-seeking with decision-making and the widow's reported satisfaction with life.