This study is a systematic review to explore factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of spouses who have experienced bereavement.

We searched the literature in four foreign and one domestic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and RISS), using the search terms ‘bereavement’, ‘spouse’, and ‘quality of life’. A total of six articles were selected for final analysis by two researchers. Using the social ecological model, we categorized five domains affecting bereaved spouses’ QOL.

Studies were published between 2001 and 2010 and were surveyed in a total of five countries. The QOL of the participants was measured using various measurement tools, such as health-related QOL and life satisfaction. Using social ecological models, the factors affecting QOL among bereaved spouses were determined to be individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy factors.

Based on the analysis results, points for consideration are suggested, including the research design and direction of future research.