Psychological and Social Adjustment and Its Relationship to Self-Esteem among Widowed Women in Jerusalem

Abstract

This study aimed to identify psychological and social adjustment among widowed women in Palestinian society in Jerusalem and its relationship to their self-esteem. The study adopted a descriptive correlational approach, with a convenience (available) sample of 187 widowed women from Jerusalem. The study employed two scales: the Psychological and Social Adjustment Scale and the Self-Esteem Scale. The results showed that the level of psychological and social adjustment among widowed women in Jerusalem was moderate, with social adjustment ranking first at a high level, while psychological adjustment came last at a moderate level. Additionally, the level of self-esteem among widowed women in Jerusalem was high. The results indicated no statistically significant differences at the significance level α≤0.05 in psychological and social adjustment among widowed women in Jerusalem, attributed to educational level or duration since husband's death. However, the results showed statistically significant differences at the significance level α≤0.05 in psychological adjustment among widowed women in Jerusalem, attributed to income level, favoring widowed women belonging to the high-income group. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found at the level α≤0.05 in the self-esteem scale, specifically in the "personal self" domain, attributed to income level among widowed women in Jerusalem, with these differences favoring the two highest-income groups. The results indicated a statistically significant correlation between psychological and social adjustment and self-esteem among widowed women, with a Pearson correlation coefficient value of r=0.757, indicating a strong positive correlation. This means that higher levels of psychological and social adjustment are associated with higher levels of self-esteem. The study recommends providing opportunities to empower widowed women to participate in community leadership activities and decision-making processes, thereby enhancing their self-esteem and encouraging the development of their personal and social skills.