The Grey Divorce Phenomenon: A Systematic Review of Loneliness and Psychological Well-being in Indian and Global Contexts

Abstract

This systematic review looks at the phenomenon of “Grey Divorce” or dissolution of marriage after age 50, within the global and Indian socio-cultural context. For a long time, it has been documented in the Western literature that late-life divorce leads to emotional loneliness. The paper attempts to study the case of the Indian seniors who emerge out from ‘sacramental’ to more ‘individualized’ aging. A review of the recent empirical data, particularly the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), identifies the critical “Empty Nest Catalyst which turns latent attachment crises due to the decoupling of domestic roles harnessed to children. The results point to a “relational displacement” in India. Here, the divorced woman suffers from a more serious loss of social identity and their familial “place” compared to her peers from other parts of the world. Thus, this higher risk may contribute to geriatric depression. On the other hand, Digital Social Capital and Identity Reconstruction are identified as crucial buffers for post-traumatic growth. In the conclusion, a recommendation is made that geriatric counselling moves from a mandate or emphasis on ‘reconciliation’ to that of ‘autonomy’ in the sphere of psychology. Further, it highlights the clinical relevance of the divorced old in an ever-evolving world.