Cultural And Societal Influence On The Psychological Feelings Of Some Widows In Oyo-State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the feelings of the widows in different categories. The purpose was to know the feelings of some widows in different categories towards widowhood. The subjects of the study were 120 widows with a mean age of 35years from three local government areas in Oyo state. Descriptive research design of survey type was used for the study. A validated self developed questionnaire, Widows Feeling and Expression Questionnaire (WFEQ) was used to collect data from the participants. Data collected were analysed using t-test statistics to test the four research hypotheses postulated in the study. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference between the young and the old widows in their feelings towards widowhood (t=0.168; df=118; P>0.05). No significant different between the Igbos and the Yorubas in their feelings towards widowhood (t=1.058; df=118; P>0.05). No significant difference between the low socio-economic and high socio-economic status towards widowhood (t=1.163; df 118, P>0.05). Also, no significant difference between the Christian and Muslim widows in their feelings towards widowhood (t=1.014; df -118, P>0.05). Implications of findings were discussed and recommendations proffered.

African Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology and Sport Facilitation Vol. 10 2008: pp. 91-101