Non-disclosure of widowhood in Nepal: Implications for women and their children

Non-disclosure of significant or emotionally charged information can have psychological and physical health consequences. Widowhood in Nepal is highly stigmatised and therefore is a sensitive topic. This study sought to understand why and to whom women do not disclose their status as widows. Themati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Global public health 2015-03, Vol.10 (3), p.379-390
Main Authors: Surkan, Pamela J., Broaddus, Elena T., Shrestha, Abina, Thapa, Lily
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Child
Child health
Children & youth
Content analysis
Depth interviews
Emotions
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Mental health
Middle Aged
Mother-Child Relations
Nepal
Public health
Self Disclosure
Social Stigma
Vulnerable Populations - psychology
Widowhood
Widows & widowers
Women
Women's Health
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Summary:Non-disclosure of significant or emotionally charged information can have psychological and physical health consequences. Widowhood in Nepal is highly stigmatised and therefore is a sensitive topic. This study sought to understand why and to whom women do not disclose their status as widows. Thematic content analysis of 31 in-depth interviews and 6 focus groups was conducted with primarily high-caste widows of reproductive age from the Kathmandu Valley, Surkhet, Chitwan and Kavre districts of Nepal. A codebook was developed based upon recurring concepts and applied to all transcripts using Atlas.ti. Due to discomfort or stigmatisation, many women concealed their status as widows in the community through behaviours impacting their daily lives. Non-disclosure to children was frequently described, often as a way to protect them from psychological sequelae. Concealment of widowhood is a coping strategy Nepali women use to shield themselves against societal stigma and to manage bereavement in their children. Efforts are needed to support widows in dealing with mental health issues related to disclosure and the psychosocial impact on their children.
ISSN:1744-1692
1744-1706
DOI:10.1080/17441692.2014.939686