An Exploration of Unpartnered Rural Women's Perceptions of How Their Social Relationships Influence Their Mental and Emotional Health

Abstract

Background: The literature on the social relationships of unpartnered women is inconclusive. These different findings suggest that unpartnered women’s relationships may vary across place. This research adds to the literature by focusing on the key relationships of unpartnered, older women living in one place – rural Cape Breton. Methods: Nine interviews were completed with unpartnered women, ages 50-65 living alone in rural Cape Breton. Results: The first theme speaks to the value of positive relationships to the women’s mental and emotional health. The second theme is about obstacles to developing and maintaining positive social relationships. The third key theme centres on the need for change. Conclusions: Older, unpartnered women living alone in rural Cape Breton have numerous positive relationships. However, they also experience various obstacles to these relationships. These findings point to the need to promote positive relationships and reduce the obstacles to these relationships.