Experiences of AIDS-related bereavement among gay men: implications for care

Abstract

Relatively little high-quality, qualitative research has been conducted on experiences of AIDS-related bereavement among gay men. Sixteen gay men from London and Surrey who had lost at least one close gay friend or partner to AIDS in the past 5 years were interviewed about their experiences. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Although there were areas of overlap, participants' AIDS-related bereavement emerged as qualitatively different from other forms of loss reported by other populations. These differences chiefly concerned the effects of social stigma associated with AIDS and gay sexuality. Other differentiating factors were the possibility that the bereaved may be facing death from the same cause as the deceased; the relative youth of the bereaved; and the often multiple nature of the bereavement. The majority of participants had experienced a deficit in social support following their bereavement. Helpful social support was described as that which was practical, which acknowledged th...