Previous research has suggested that social ties and relationships may play a critical role in the determination of health status. Individuals undergoing rapid social and cultural changes (1-5) as well as those living in situations characterized by social disorganization (6-8), and poverty (9-12) appear to be at increased risk of acquiring many diseases. These situations have frequently been described in terms of the absence of stable social ties and resources available to individuals living in such circumstances. Other studies of army wives (13) and men undergoing job loss (14) suggest that social supports may be protective against the harmful health consequences associated with stressful life events.

Furthermore, it repeatedly has been observed that people who are married have lower mortality rates than those who are single, widowed, or divorced (15-17). The relationship between widowhood and increased morbidity and mortality is particularly striking. The results of several investigations (18-21) indicate that widows, especially in the first year following bereavement, have many more complaints about their health, have more mental and physical symptoms, believe they have sustained a lasting deterioration to their health, and have increased mortality rates.