Conducting longitudinal research with older widows : Exploring personal communities through multiple methods

Collins, T

Abstract

This article reports on the process of undertaking a longitudinal multiple methods study with older women experiencing the transition of later life widowhood. A series of three qualitative in depth interviews were conducted with twenty-six older widows in North Staffordshire, United Kingdom. Interviews included the use of personal community diagrams to identify the structure of personal communities, and Christmas and Christmas cards to further explore social relationships and practices during transition. Examples of cases are given to illustrate the findings derived from the methods employed. The cases demonstrate the diverse and often paradoxical nature of social relationships within similar networks.

Citation

Collins, T. (2016). Conducting longitudinal research with older widows : Exploring personal communities through multiple methods. Journal of Women and Aging, 30(3), https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2015.1072026

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 30, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jul 18, 2016
• Publication Date: Jul 18, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jun 16, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 18, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Women & Aging
• Print ISSN: 0895-2841
• Electronic ISSN: 1540-7322
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2015.1072026
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2015.1072026
• Related Public URLs: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/wjwa20#.VX618qI0XTp