LGBTQ+ Partner Loss
Since the 2015 legalization of same-sex marraige in the U.S., both social attitudes and legal structures have reshaped the landscape of LGBTQ+ partner loss. Building on Bristowe et al.’s (2016)1 systematic review, we examined research on LGBTQ+ bereavement published after 2015.
We followed PRISMA guidelines and screened 1,656 studies from the Psychology Database and PubMed, ultimately including 10 qualitative studies. Through thematic analysis, we identified common bereavement reactions and LGBTQ+-specific experiences. The findings highlight the ongoing need for professional training and interventions that address the unique aspects of bereavement among LGBTQ+ people, even amid broader legal and social recognition.
We are currently preparing for submission based on the analyzed results.
- Kim, J., Kang, S., Im, G., & Kim, M. (2025, August 7-9). A decade later: Revisiting LGBTQ+ partner loss and bereavement in the post-same-sex marriage era [Poster presentation]. APA 2025 Convention, Denver, CO, United States.
Footnotes
Bristowe, K., Marshall, S., & Harding, R. (2016). The bereavement experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans* people who have lost a partner: A systematic review, thematic synthesis and modelling of the literature. Palliative Medicine, 30(8), 730-744.↩︎