A sample of 130 participants (mean age = 49.36, 44.9% males), 52.3% divorced and 47.7% widowed, completed inventories assessing current well-being and adjustment, as well as life satisfaction before and after separation or loss, and coping strategies used during separation or loss. Widowed individuals scored higher on life satisfaction before than after the loss, while divorced individuals showed the opposite pattern in relation to separation. Widowed individuals used less problem-focused and less emotion-focused coping than divorced individuals. High current wellbeing was related positively to dating or living with a new partner, and to the use of problem-focused coping during separation or loss. In conclusion, the results suggest that problem-focused coping and dating after separation or loss are two important factors in the wellbeing of divorced and widowed persons.
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