Spousal Bereavement and Mental Health Among Japanese Older Adults

Res Aging. 2026 Jun 8:1640275261458985. doi: 10.1177/01640275261458985. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Spousal loss is a major life event with profound mental health implications. Despite abundant research on the psychological well-being of widows, most studies rely on post-bereavement data, risking recall bias. Therefore, this study analysed data from the National Survey of the Japanese Elderly to enhance our understanding of the bereavement process. We observed the levels and trajectories of depressive symptoms before, during, and after spousal loss using the first seven waves of the survey from 1987 to 2006. The results showed a modest increase in symptoms prior to loss and a significant spike at bereavement, with no subsequent decline. Participants’ age at loss moderated recovery, with later life bereavement being associated with quicker adjustment. These findings highlight the need to address mental health deterioration in later life and indicate age-related resilience with increasing age globally.

PMID:42258886 | DOI:10.1177/01640275261458985