ce between males and females with regard to life expectations following the death of a spouse.
The sample selected for this study was from an available volunteer population; therefore, results of this research may not be generalizable to individuals in other geographical locations. A small sample size is an additional study limitation. Variables were not directly manipulated and results were observed from existing groups.
The following review of the literature presents information relative to the topic of life expectations in the elderly after the death of a spouse, to include: the bereavement process, factors affecting bereavement, and existing research regarding elderly gender differences.
Steeves (2002) reported that previous studies identified stages of bereavement and tasks that need to be completed for adjustment such as the retelling of the story, restructuring the family and social groups, and working out a new relationship with the memory of the decedent. While some studies reported that the bereavement process takes two years, other studies report that the length of time involved remains unclear. Support has also not been found regarding the stages of grief. Steeves studied 29 participants and found that there were three stages of grief that demonstrated a rhythm. The first stage was numbness, lasting a few weeks. During this period the bereaved are emotionally labile, with disrupted sleep and appetite. The second stage lasts a few months and includes st
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