Spousal Loss, Depressive Symptoms, and Religious Involvement: Immediate Impact and Trajectories in Late Life

Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data, we examined the immediate and long-term buffering effects of religious involvement on late-life spousal loss. Using seven waves of data (2006–2018) from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 4714; Obs. = 18,212), we conducted ordinary least squares regression and growth curve analyses. Recent spousal loss was strongly associated with increased depressive symptoms, which gradually decreased over time. Religious involvement buffered the association between a recent loss and depressive symptoms. However, no buffering effect was observed for the changes in depressive symptoms over time. Religious involvement significantly mitigated the immediate effects of spousal loss on depressive symptoms. However, its long-term buffering effects on changes in depressive symptoms are limited. Future studies should consider alternative coping resources that may protect individuals against the negative effects of the loss of a spouse and facilitate the maintenance of mental health over time.