Bereavement Experiences of Same-gender Partners and Impact on Subsequent Relationships

Bereaved same-gender partners may be impacted by limited social and legal acknowledgement of their losses and relationships. This research aimed to investigate the bereavement experiences of same-gender-attracted individuals who have lost a partner to causes other than HIV. Fourteen participants completed individual interviews and an online survey at two time points. The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Common themes include continuing bonds, disenfranchised and enfranchised grief, the changing experience of grief, self-stigma, secondary losses, unsolicited gains, and the impact of grief on subsequent relationships. Implications for the counselling of bereaved same-gender partners are discussed and recommendations for future psychological research are made.