Bristowe, Katherine;
Timmins, Liadh;
Braybrook, Debbie;
Marshall, Steve;
Pitman, Alexandra;
Johnson, Katherine;
Day, Elizabeth;
... Harding, Richard; + view all
(2022)
LGBT+ partner bereavement and appraisal of the Acceptance-Disclosure Model of LGBT+ bereavement: A qualitative interview study.
Palliative Medicine
10.1177/02692163221138620.
(In press).
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Bristowe et al 2022 LGBT+ partner bereavement and appraisal of the Acceptance-Disclosure Model of LGBT+ bereavement - qualitative interview study.pdf - Published Version Download (473kB) | Preview |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Support from social networks is vital after the death of a partner. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT+) people can face disenfranchisement and isolation in bereavement. The Acceptance-Disclosure Model (of LGBT+ bereavement) posits that experiences are shaped by the extent to which individuals feel able to disclose their bereavement to others, and whether that loss is acknowledged appropriately. AIM: To explore LGBT+ specific experiences of partner bereavement; determine decision-making processes regarding disclosure of relationships/identities; and appraise the Acceptance-Disclosure Model using primary qualitative data. DESIGN: Exploratory in-depth qualitative interview study positioned within a social constructivist paradigm. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive reflexive thematic analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: 21 LGBT+ people from across England bereaved of their civil partner/spouse. RESULTS: Participants described LGBT+ specific stressors in bereavement: lack of recognition of their loss; inappropriate questioning; unwanted disclosure of gender history; and fears of discrimination when accessing support. Disclosure of LGBT+ identities varied across social networks. Some participants described hiding their identities and bereavement to preserve relationships, and challenging intersections between LGBT+ identities and other aspects of culture or self. These findings provide primary evidence to support the Acceptance-Disclosure Model. CONCLUSIONS: LGBT+ people face additional stressors in bereavement. Not all LGBT+ people want to talk directly about their relationships/identities. Sensitive exploration of support needs, aligned with preferences around disclosure of identities, can help foster trust. Five recommendations for inclusive practice are presented. Further research should consider whether the Acceptance-Disclosure Model has utility to explain bereavement experiences for other isolated or disenfranchised groups.
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