What is the most likely explanation for a woman's difficulty in finding employment after her husband's death?

In this scenario, the most likely explanation for the woman's difficulty in finding employment after her husband's death is that her bereavement is acting as a barrier to employment. Grief can profoundly affect an individual's emotional and psychological state, leading to challenges in motivation, energy levels, and the ability to focus on job searches and interviews. This emotional turmoil can hinder her from effectively presenting herself to potential employers or even pursuing opportunities in the first place.

While age discrimination and lack of employment history could influence her job prospects, the immediate impact of her emotional state is likely to have a more direct and significant effect on her current situation. Her bereavement could manifest in various ways, such as anxiety or depression, which can result in difficulties during interviews or finding the motivation to seek out new roles. Therefore, the influence of her grief is a crucial factor in understanding her employment challenges during this period of loss.