Bibliotherapy, Self-assertiveness Strategies and Psychological Well-being of Widows in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Date
2024-12
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Lead City University, Ibadan
Abstract
The loss of a spouse often leads to lack of emotional and social support, increasing social isolation and worsening the widow's psychological wellbeing. Without adequate support mechanisms, the grieving process becomes more difficult, potentially resulting in long-term psychological distress. This study examined how bibliotherapy and self-assertiveness strategies impact the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. This study aimed to assess how strategies such as
bibliotherapy and self-assertiveness, with moderating variables of age, economic status and tribe could improve widows’ psychological and overall well-being. Sixty-four (64) widows, aged between 22 and 55 years, were recruited for this study. Participation was voluntary, and all participants gave their informed consent. The sample was selected using purposive and multi-stage sampling techniques. A mixed-method approach was used to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. For the quantitative data, the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (RPWBS) was used for pre and post-tests. Data analysis was conducted using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). For the qualitative aspect, focus group discussions (FGDs) were held. These discussions were recorded and transcribed. The study’s findings indicated that both bibliotherapy strategy (F(1,37)=7.353, p<0.05, η 2=0.166) and self-assertiveness strategy (F(1,36)=48.970, p<0.05, η 2=0.576) were effective in improving widows’ psychological well-being in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. Findings also show that there was a significant interactive effect of bibliotherapy strategy and age (F(1,35)=9.700, p<0.05, η
2=0.217) on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. However, there was no significant interactive effect of bibliotherapy strategy and economic
status (F(2,33)=0.577, p>0.05, η 2=0.034) on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. Findings reveals that there was no significant interactive effect of bibliotherapy strategy and tribe (F(1,34)=2.541, p>0.05, η 2=0.070) on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. More so, the result indicates that there was no significant interactive effect of self-assertiveness and age (F(1,34)=1.040, p>0.05, η 2=0.030) on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. It also shows that there was no significant interactive effect of self-assertiveness and economic status on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. There was no significant interactive effect of self-assertiveness strategy and tribe (F(1,33)=1.085, p>0.05, η 2=0.032) on the psychological well-being of
widows in Ibadan Metropolis. The study further reveals that there was a significant interactive effect of bibliotherapy and self-assertiveness strategies and age (F(2,57)=23.353, p<0.05, η 2=0.450) on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. Result shows that there was no significant interactive effect of bibliotherapy and self-assertiveness strategies; and economic status (F(4,54)=1.135, p>0.05, η 2=0.078) on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. Also, there was no significant interactive effect of bibliotherapy and self-assertiveness strategies; and tribe (F(3,55)=2.516, p>0.05, η 2=0.121) on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. However, more researches are recommended for a long-term follow-up studies to assess the sustained impact of bibliotherapy and self-assertiveness interventions on the psychological well-being of widows in Ibadan Metropolis. More so, researchers could also explore the effectiveness of multifaceted interventions that combine bibliotherapy, self-assertiveness training, and other support services, such as economic empowerment programs or social integration initiatives
Word Count: 500
Keywords: Bibliotherapy, Self-Assertiveness, Widowhood, Psychological Wellbeing, Quality of Life
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Keywords
Bibliotherapy, Self-Assertiveness, Widowhood, Psychological Wellbeing, Quality of Life
Citation
Kate Turabia