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LGBT+ partner bereavement and appraisal of the Acceptance-Disclosure Model of LGBT+ bereavement: A qualitative interview study
,
Liadh Timmins ,
Debbie Braybrook ,
Steve Marshall ,
Alexandra Pitman,
Katherine Johnson,
Elizabeth Day,
Paul Clift,
Ruth Rose,
Deokhee Yi ,
Peihan Yu,
Wei Gao,
Anna Roach,
Kathryn Almack,
Michael King,
Richard Harding
Palliative Medicine, Volume: 37, Issue: 2, Pages: 221 - 234
Swansea University Author:
Liadh Timmins
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DOI (Published version): 10.1177/02692163221138620
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 t...
| Published in: | Palliative Medicine |
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| ISSN: | 0269-2163 1477-030X |
| Published: |
SAGE Publications
2023
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa63780 |
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| 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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| Keywords: |
Bereavement, LGBT, spouses, sexual and gender minority, qualitative research |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the Marie Curie Research Grants Scheme grant reference MCRGS–07–16–45. |
| Issue: |
2 |
| Start Page: |
221 |
| End Page: |
234 |