ประสบการณ์ทางจิตใจของหญิงม่ายจากเหตุการณ์ความไม่สงบในจังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้ / หริรักษ์ แก้วกับทอง = Psychological experience of widows from the unrest in Southern border provinces / Harirak Kaewkabthong
The purpose of this research was to study psychological experience of widows from the unrest in Southern Border Provinces using phenomenological qualitative research methodology. Key informants were 10 widows who lost their spouse in the unrest in the Southern Border Provinces, aged ranging from 37 to 54 years. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, which were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content and context analyses were used for data analysis. Results were as follows: Suffering experienced by these widows could be classified as: 1) grief and loss as manifested in confusion, lack of life direction, and mourning; 2) a lack of life security as manifested in the sense of loneliness, desperation, anxiety; and 3) a lack of understanding from social network as manifested in the frustration from those surrounding these widows. The continuing bonds that these widows had their partners could be classified as: 1) the feeling of their spouse’s presence, 2) the reminiscence of their spouse, and 3) withholding their spouse’s ways of living. These widows reported that: 1) they overcame the suffering by healing themselves through accepting their losses, empowering themselves, and obtaining social support and 2) they learn to value life from this suffering, understanding that death is a part of living. The study helped enhance the understanding of psychological experiences of widows from the unrest Southern Border Provinces. Findings could be used as guidelines for psychological rehabilitation and support for woman who loss their spouse without anticipation.
