Mary E. Minton

The First Anniversary: Stress, Well-Being, and Optimism in Older Widows

The first anniversary for older widows (n = 47) has been explored during Months 11, 12, and 13. Concurrent correlations show that optimism inversely correlates with psychological (intrusion and avoidance) stress as measured with the Impact of Event Scale (r = —.52 to —.66, p < .005) and positively correlates with well-being (physical: r = .36 to .46, p < .025; psychosocial: r = .58 to .72, p < .005; spiritual: r = .50 to .69, p < .005). Lagged correlation patterns suggest that higher levels of optimism at a given time are associated with higher life satisfaction and spiritual well-being at later times. Psychological stress is higher at Month 12 when compared to Month 13, t(43) = 2.54, p = .01, but not when compared to Month 11, t(43) = 1.49, p > .10. There are no significant differences in physiologic stress (salivary cortisol) or well-being during the first anniversary of spousal bereavement.

Spousal Bereavement Assessment: A Review of Bereavement-Specific Measures

The death of a spouse represents a common form of bereavement among adults and is associated with significant distress and adaptation. This 10-year review of the bereavement literature highlights 12 tools used to assess bereavement in spousally bereaved samples. Pertinent measurement foci and psychometric properties of each tool are presented. Applicability of each tool within the spousal bereavement process is discussed, and aspects of the spousal bereavement process not currently addressed or under-addressed provide direction for future tool development.

Midcareer Faculty Needs Identified by the Midwest Nursing Research Society Midcareer Scholars Task Force

The midcareer academic period is largely unexplored despite its lengthy duration and challenging career expectations at academic institutions. The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) formed a Midcareer Scholars Task Force to address this gap. All active members of MNRS were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey, of which 286 members completed. The most frequently perceived institutional support for midcareer scholars was for conference attendance followed by librarian assistance. Most assistant and associate professors perceived mentoring as a critical MNRS organizational activity to advance their research and careers; however, full professors saw MNRS’s responsibility in mentoring midcareer scholars differently. Existing academic institutions were perceived as limited in their support and success in midcareer scholar mentorship efforts. There are considerable needs for midcareer scholar support and mentoring, and professional organizations can play an important role to fill this gap. Targeted mentoring and professional development initiatives are needed to better support midcareer faculty.

Carrying the Pain: The Journey from Suffering to Transformation—Perspectives from Shakespearean Tragedy and Pastoral Care

This paper proposes an admittedly difficult thesis that emotional pain and suffering can be good news. Rather than denying and running from emotional pain and suffering, we suggest embracing and carrying the pain. Through academic and spiritual writings, an observation of Hamlet’s tragic suffering, an examination of pastoral care case study data, and a B.L.E.S.S. acronym, this paper proposes that within the experience of suffering lies the transformative potential for meaning and fullness.