Connecting and disconnecting: bereavement experiences of six gay men.
This research investigation explored the bereavement experiences of gay partners of men who died of AIDS-related complications. Interviews with six men provided data for analysis using the qualitative method of grounded theory. Two basic social-psychological processes were identified that characterized the bereavement experience: connecting and disconnecting. Themes generated from the data that described the process of connecting were: sharing the death, caring for the PWA, legitimizing the relationship, memorializing, and AIDS-related work. Performing death-related tasks, letting go of the relationship, and passage characterized the process of disconnecting. Special considerations for bereavement in gay men and implications for nursing are discussed.
McGaffic
C M
CM
University of Arizona, College of Nursing, Tucson.
Longman
A J
AJ
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000451:nursing*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*