2008/03/14 by Stephanie L. Brown, R. Michael Brown, James S. House +1 · 2 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health #Attachment and Relationship Dynamics #Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving
paper · doi:10.1177/0146167208314972
openalex publication_date 2008/03/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
The present study examined the role of self-reported helping behavior in attenuating the helper's depression following spousal loss. Using archival data from the Changing Lives of Older Couples sample (N = 289), the study shows that among bereaved participants who had experienced high loss-related grief, helping behavior (providing instrumental support to others) was associated with an accelerated decline in depressive symptoms for the helper from 6 months to 18 months following spousal loss. This relationship between giving help and recovery from depression was independent of support received, as well as measured health, and interpersonal and demographic factors. Implications of these results for theoretical approaches to the study of close relationships and well-being are discussed.