This study focused on the psychosocial effects and coping mechanisms of black widows
in the Mafikeng area following the death of their spouses.
A descriptive research design was used in collecting data. A sample of forty-eight black
widows aged between twenty-five and seventy years was randomly selected for the
purpose of this study. A questionnaire was administered to the sample. This
questionnaire contained both open-ended and close-ended questions. Beck's Depression
Inventory was also used in the collection of data to assess the level of depression if any.
A descriptive statistical analysis of data was used to analyse the collected data.
The findings indicated that most black widows experience psychological problems such
as loneliness and depression due to withdrawal. There was also an indication that most
black widows experienced social problems like being discriminated against and rejection
by friends, relatives as well as neighbours due to the stigma associated with widowhood.
However, there is an indication that some black widows do experience a positive
perception from their employers and have a positive relationship with their in-laws. This
study also confirmed that some black widows use inappropriate coping mechanisms such
as withdrawal from the societal activities in fear of humiliation in dealing with their
widowhood. Some resort to religion as another way of coping with their loss. The majority of older widows considered remarriage as a poor option while younger
widows considered remarriage as viable. The grip on widows by traditional rituals is also
diminishing especially among young, successful and educated widows.
Having undertaken this study the implication is that black widows are mainly stigmatized
in the society in which they live. They are even humiliated through restrictions that are
put before them. For instance, performance of rituals and customs. Some of those who
are employed experience a negative perception from both their employers and their
colleagues because of the stigma. However. there still some black widows who still
enjoy the moral support of their in-laws, employers and also that of their colleagues. / M.A. (Clinical Psychology) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/11482 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Dithipe, Ntshadi Juvenile |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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