Attributional style as a predictor of bereavement outcomes

Attributions of control among elderly bereaved were investigated in this longitudinal, descriptive study. The relationship between the attributional style of the surviving spouse and adjustment outcomes of perceived coping and depression was examined. Data were obtained from a larger project on bereavement and adaptation in the elderly. An adapted scale was created to measure specific characteristics of attributions of control and these dimensions were categorized into the three subscales. These categories were "active," "blame," and "passive." The results showed that the "active" subscale measuring contingency beliefs regarding actions upon outcomes was the strongest predictor of adjustment to bereavement as measured by perceived coping and depression. Depression in no necessarily a bereavement outcome. Those person prone to experience coping difficulties an depression in the course of bereavement can be identified by exploring their characteristic style of attributions. Nursing implications were discussed.