The Effects of Religiosity on Depression Trajectories After Widowhood.

This study examines trajectories of depression among older adults (age 50 and older) transitioning into widowhood using data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 2006 to 2016, with a focus on the moderating role of religiosity. Findings indicate that depressive symptoms significantly increase following spousal loss and decrease over time but do not return to pre-widowhood levels within 8–10 years. Higher organizational religiosity (measured by religious service attendance) and intrinsic religiosity are associated with lower depressive symptoms both during and after the transition to widowhood, with high religious service attendance also moderating the relationship between living alone and depression among widowed individuals. The study suggests that engagement in religious activities may provide social support that helps mitigate depression risk in widowed older adults, particularly those living alone.