Abstract:
Geriatric population is expected to double by the year 2050 with an anticipated rise in
geriatric morbidity, especially in the cognitive domain. Cognitive impairment among older
adults has no cure till date and may further lead to functional impairment, low quality of
life, and compromised mental well-being. This study aimed to investigate the association
of spousal bereavement, normative grief, and complicated grief with cognitive functioning
along with parallel mediation of depression and social rhythms between these variables. A
total sample of 214 older adults was obtained (Mage= 67.1, SD= 7.23), including 135
bereaved (Mage= 67.7, SD= 7.37) and 79 non-bereaved older adults (Mage= 66.2, SD=
6.93) from the twin cities of Pakistan via purposive sampling. Data was collected through
MoCA, GDS, CBI, ICG, MSPSS, and BSRS. All scales were administered in Urdu
language. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative relationship between
normative grief, complicated grief and cognitive functioning. Results generated, using
PROCESS Macro Model 4, revealed that normative grief and cognitive functioning were
partially mediated by social rhythms but not mediated by depression. Complicated grief
and cognitive functioning were not mediated by either depression or social rhythms.
Perceived social support did not moderate the relationship between normative grief and
cognitive functioning. However, only the perceived support from family moderated the
relationship between complicated grief and cognitive functioning. The results underscored
the role of social rhythm regularity in cognitive aging among grieving older adults.
Furthermore, importance of support from family in preventing cognitive decline is
highlighted. Findings suggested that understanding the underlying pathways associated
with cognitive decline among elderly are vital for the development of specific intervention
and prevention strategies.
