Loss of a spouse presents serious risks to the psychological and
physical health and well-being of the survivor. This is particularly true
for women. Physical disease, hospitalization, and mortality in widows all
exceed expected rates. The author reviews the phases of mourning, the
factors related to pathological grief, and the ways in which grief is
resolved. He describes widow-to-widow care systems, which seem to have
substantial merit. Pastoral counseling and in some cases psychiatric care
and medication can be helpful, but time is the greatest healer of all.Abstract Teaser