Pathways from spousal bereavement to cognitive functioning in Pakistani older adults: Mediational role of social rhythms and moderating role of social support

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated the association between spousal bereavement and cognitive functioning among Pakistani community dwelling older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was completed in Pakistan in 2022–2023. A total sample of 135 bereaved older adults (M_age = 67.7, SD = 7.37) was obtained from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, via purposive sampling. Data were collected through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), the Core Bereavement Item (CBI), the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support(MSPSS) and the Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS). All scales were administered in Urdu language.

Results

Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between normative grief, complicated grief and cognitive functioning. Results generated, using PROCESS Macro Model 4 after controlling for age and duration of bereavement, revealed that normative grief and cognitive functioning were partially mediated by social rhythms. No mediation was formed after controlling for education. Complicated grief and cognitive functioning were not mediated by social rhythms. Perceived social support did not moderate the relationship between normative grief and complicated grief. However, only the perceived support from family moderated the relationship between complicated grief and cognitive functioning.

Conclusions

Social rhythm regularity did not mediate cognitive decline among grieving older adults. However, results highlight the importance of support from family in preventing cognitive decline. Findings suggested that understanding the underlying pathways associated with cognitive decline among older adults are vital for the development of specific intervention and prevention strategies.