Relationship between Spousal Bereavement and Cognitive Functioning in old age; Mediatory role of Depression and Social Rhythms

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.