WITH AND WITHOUT: THE BEREAVEMENT EXPERIENCES OF GAY MEN WHO HAVE LOST A PARTNER TO NON-AIDS-RELATED CAUSES

摘要

This study gives voice to the experiences of gay men who have lost a partner to non-AIDS-related causes, a subject that has received little attention in the psychological literature. Interviews were conducted with 8 gay men. An analysis informed by hermeneutic phenomenology generated themes and contexualized meanings regarding the participants' diverse experiences. The themes identified areas of similarity and difference between the bereavement of these participants from, those who have participated in general bereavement studies and from those who have lost a partner to AIDS. Implications for counseling practice and further research are discussed.