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Minority stress and bereavement: The impact of social positioning on LGBTQ+ bereavement experiences

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  • Johnson, Felicity
  • Bindley, Kristin

Abstract

This scoping review explores how the social positioning of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) persons impacts their bereavement experiences. Drawing on the key concepts of minority stress and intersectionality, LGBTQ+ bereavement is examined through a social constructionist lens. Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) scoping review method is employed to map the existing research on LGBTQ+ bereavement published between 2003 and 2023, with specific interest in how this research discusses the impact of identity on bereavement. Findings are presented in four themes: (1) Systemic barriers, (2) Complexities of (not) disclosing identity, (3) Minimising of loss, and (4) LGBTQ+ community dis/connection. Employing reflexive thematic analysis to support critical interpretation, findings are explored through the lens of social constructionism, before critiquing the evident lack of intersectional approaches to research in current LGBTQ+ bereavement literature. Findings indicate several gaps in the LGBTQ+ bereavement literature, and the need for further research in this area to be conceptualised and guided by an intersectional approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Johnson, Felicity & Bindley, Kristin, 2025. "Minority stress and bereavement: The impact of social positioning on LGBTQ+ bereavement experiences," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 380(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:380:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625005167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118186
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Byrne, 2022. "A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1391-1412, June.
    2. Valeriya Azorina & Nicola Morant & Hedvig Nesse & Fiona Stevenson & David Osborn & Michael King & Alexandra Pitman, 2019. "The Perceived Impact of Suicide Bereavement on Specific Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative Study of Survey Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-15, May.
    3. Korijna G Valenti & Sarah Hahn & Susan Enguidanos & Gwendolyn Quinn & Kate de Medeiros & Jessica Kelley, 2023. "Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Widows’ Experiences of Grief, Identity, and Support: A Qualitative Study of Relationships Following the Loss of a Spouse or Partner," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 78(6), pages 1039-1050.
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    5. Bindley, Kristin & Lewis, Joanne & Travaglia, Joanne & DiGiacomo, Michelle, 2019. "Disadvantaged and disenfranchised in bereavement: A scoping review of social and structural inequity following expected death," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
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