The study was on locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy as predictors of widows’ emotional adjustment and life-satisfaction in Anambra State, Nigeria. It aims to examine whether these psychological variables could be used to improve widows’ emotional adjustment and life-satisfaction.
The three locus of control dimensions (internal locus, chance, and powerful others) and the two self-efficacy dimensions (general self-efficacy and social self-efficacy) were used to study locus of control and self-efficacy. Using cluster and purposive sampling methods, 887 participants/widows were selected from Anambra State, Nigeria. The participants had a minimum educational level of senior secondary school, mean age of 52.2 years, mean number of 4 children and mean widowhood length of 8.5 years. Locus of control, fear of death, self-efficacy, emotional adjustment, and life satisfaction were measured on 5-point scale using locus of control scale, fear of death scale, self-efficacy scale, emotional adjustment measures, and satisfaction with life scale respectively. The study had cross-sectional design. The collected data which attained interval measurement were analyzed with hierarchical regression.
The results showed that locus of control were significant predictors of emotional adjustment of widows. Internal locus (β = .22, p< .001) and social self-efficacy (β = .10, p = .003) were also significant predictors of widows’ life satisfaction. Fear of death (β = .01, n.s.), chance (β = .03, n.s.), powerful others (β = -.04, n.s.), and general self-efficacy (β = .02, n.s.) did not predict widows’ life satisfaction. Finally, there was significant negative correlation between emotional adjustment and life satisfaction of widows (r = -.11, p < .001). Recommendations were made for widows to engage personal development that will equip them with skills that enhance general self-efficacy. Again, more studies need to be carried out in Igboland at large in order to know if similar results would be obtained. The implication of the study is that widows will achieve emotional adjustment and life satisfaction if they believe in their competence rather than societal solidarity.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background to the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Research Questions
- 1.4 Significance of the Study
- 1.5 Objectives of the Study
- 1.6 Operational Definition of Terms
- CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
- 2.1 Theoretical Review
- 2.2 Conceptual Review
- 2.3 Empirical Review
- 2.4 Summary of Review
- 2.5 Hypotheses
- CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Participants
- 3.2 Instruments
- 3.3 Procedures
- 3.4 Design/Statistics
- CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
- 4.1 Summary of Findings
- CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSIONS
- CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- 6.1 Summary
- 6.2 Conclusion
- 6.3 Recommendations
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study investigates the predictive power of locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy on the emotional adjustment and life satisfaction of widows in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research aims to determine if these psychological factors can be used to improve the well-being of widows.
- The relationship between locus of control dimensions (internal, chance, powerful others) and widows' emotional adjustment and life satisfaction.
- The impact of fear of death on emotional adjustment and life satisfaction among widows.
- The role of self-efficacy (general and social) in influencing the emotional adjustment and life satisfaction of widows.
- The correlation between emotional adjustment and life satisfaction in widows.
- The development of recommendations for improving the emotional well-being and life satisfaction of widows based on the study's findings.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter sets the stage for the study by providing background information on the emotional challenges faced by widows, particularly in Anambra State, Nigeria. It introduces the research problem, focusing on the lack of understanding regarding the psychological factors influencing widows' emotional adjustment and life satisfaction. The chapter also clearly states the research questions and objectives, outlining the significance of the study in contributing to a better understanding of widowhood and potential interventions to improve well-being. The operational definitions of key terms, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout the research, are also presented.
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: This chapter presents a comprehensive review of existing literature related to locus of control, fear of death, self-efficacy, emotional adjustment, and life satisfaction, particularly within the context of widowhood. It explores various theoretical frameworks and conceptual models relevant to understanding the interplay of these psychological variables. The chapter also examines empirical evidence from previous studies, analyzing findings and identifying gaps in the existing research that the current study aims to address. A summary of the review and formulation of hypotheses based on the reviewed literature are included, guiding the research design and methodology.
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the research design, participants, instruments, and procedures employed in the study. It describes the sampling methods used to select the 887 widows from Anambra State, providing demographic information such as age, education, number of children, and length of widowhood. The chapter outlines the specific instruments utilized to measure locus of control, fear of death, self-efficacy, emotional adjustment, and life satisfaction, ensuring the reliability and validity of the measurement tools are established. A clear explanation of the data analysis techniques, including hierarchical regression, is provided, ensuring transparency and rigor in the research process.
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS: This chapter presents the findings of the study using statistical analyses, summarizing the key results obtained from the hierarchical regression analysis. It focuses on which variables significantly predicted emotional adjustment and life satisfaction among widows. Results regarding the influence of locus of control dimensions (internal, chance, and powerful others), fear of death, and self-efficacy dimensions (general and social) are detailed. Additionally, this chapter describes the significant correlations between the variables studied, providing a comprehensive numerical summary of the research findings.
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSIONS: This chapter interprets the findings presented in Chapter Four, connecting the results to the existing literature reviewed in Chapter Two. The discussion focuses on the significance of the study's findings, explaining the implications of the relationships between the psychological variables and the widows' emotional adjustment and life satisfaction. This chapter explores possible explanations for the obtained results, considering both supporting and contradictory evidence from previous research. The limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also addressed.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Locus of control, fear of death, self-efficacy, emotional adjustment, life satisfaction, widows, Nigeria, Anambra State, hierarchical regression, psychological well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study on Widows in Anambra State, Nigeria
What is the main focus of this study?
This study investigates the predictive power of locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy on the emotional adjustment and life satisfaction of widows in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research aims to determine if these psychological factors can be used to improve the well-being of widows.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores the relationship between locus of control (internal, chance, powerful others) and widows' emotional adjustment and life satisfaction; the impact of fear of death on emotional adjustment and life satisfaction; the role of self-efficacy (general and social) in influencing emotional adjustment and life satisfaction; the correlation between emotional adjustment and life satisfaction; and ultimately, develops recommendations for improving the emotional well-being and life satisfaction of widows.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents follows a standard academic structure. It includes: Chapter One (Introduction), Chapter Two (Review of Related Literature), Chapter Three (Methodology), Chapter Four (Results), Chapter Five (Discussion), and Chapter Six (Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations). Each chapter is further broken down into sub-sections addressing specific aspects of the research.
What is covered in Chapter One: Introduction?
Chapter One sets the context of the study, providing background information on the emotional challenges faced by widows in Anambra State, Nigeria. It defines the research problem, outlines the research questions and objectives, explains the significance of the study, and provides operational definitions of key terms.
What is covered in Chapter Two: Review of Related Literature?
Chapter Two presents a comprehensive review of existing literature on locus of control, fear of death, self-efficacy, emotional adjustment, and life satisfaction in the context of widowhood. It explores theoretical frameworks, examines empirical evidence, identifies gaps in existing research, and formulates hypotheses.
What is covered in Chapter Three: Methodology?
Chapter Three details the research design, including the sampling methods (887 widows from Anambra State), the instruments used to measure the variables, and the data analysis techniques (hierarchical regression). It provides demographic information about the participants and ensures the reliability and validity of the measurement tools are established.
What is covered in Chapter Four: Results?
Chapter Four presents the statistical findings of the study, summarizing the key results from the hierarchical regression analysis. It details the significant predictors of emotional adjustment and life satisfaction among the widows, including the influence of locus of control, fear of death, and self-efficacy.
What is covered in Chapter Five: Discussions?
Chapter Five interprets the findings presented in Chapter Four, connecting them to the existing literature. It discusses the implications of the results, explores possible explanations, considers supporting and contradictory evidence, addresses limitations, and suggests areas for future research.
What is covered in Chapter Six: Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations?
Chapter Six summarizes the main findings, draws conclusions based on the research, and provides recommendations for improving the emotional well-being and life satisfaction of widows based on the study's results.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
The keywords are: Locus of control, fear of death, self-efficacy, emotional adjustment, life satisfaction, widows, Nigeria, Anambra State, hierarchical regression, psychological well-being.
- Quote paper
- Okechukwu Dominic Nwankwo (Author), 2020, Locus Of Control, Fear Of Death, And Self-Efficacy As Predictors Of Widows' Emotional Adjustment And Life Satisfaction In Anambra State, Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/540087
