BOUTS OF ANXIETY, ANGER, AND GUILT AS PRECIPITATORS OF PROLONGED GRIEF AMONG WIDOWS IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

This research delves into the exploration of anxiety, anger, and guilt as potential catalysts forprolonged grief experienced by widows in Awka. The primary focus lies in investigatingtraditional customs and practices surrounding widowhood, which may contribute to anxietyand other psychological disturbances. The study aims to test the hypothesis that anxiety, anger,and guilt do not significantly contribute to pathological grief among widows in Awka, Nigeria.A sample of four hundred widows from eighteen villages in Awka participated in the study bycompleting self-report questionnaires. The instruments utilized included the AnxietyAssessment Scale, a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire comprising 10 items; the Guilt andShame Experience Scale (GSES), a 4-point Likert scale with 8 items; and the Prolonged GriefDisorder Scale (PGDS), a 15-item questionnaire, of which 12 items were rated on a 5-pointLikert scale. The analysis of the data, conducted using ANOVA F-statistics, revealed theoverall significance of the study, suggesting a limited impact on grief. Moreover, the t-valueanalysis indicated a significant negative correlation between anxiety and grief, signifying adecrease in their relationship. Similarly, anger and guilt exhibited significant decreases in theirassociation with prolonged grief. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into thepsychological experiences of widows in Awka, shedding light on the potential triggers ofprolonged grief while highlighting the need for further exploration in this area