This study investigated how widows' fears of death are affected by their age at widowhood and suddenness of death. Researchers administered the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale to 423 participants, categorized according to age (50 and 51) and suddenness of death (expected, unexpected, and non-widowed). No significant differences in fears of the dying process were found among groups. Fears of death of others and death of self were influenced by a significant effect of age: younger women expressed greater fears than older women. A significant interaction between age and suddenness of death was found regarding fear of death of others. Results are discussed and implications for research and practice are suggested.
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