Social Work Commons^™

The Experience Of Same-Sex Partner Loss Among People Age 55 And Older, Courtney Woodburn

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this exploratory study was to gain a deeper understanding of how people ages 55 and older experience the death of a same-sex partner. Recruitment occurred using snowball sampling primarily through a social organization for older gay men, resulting in a homogenous convenience sample. The study used semi-structured in-person, phone, and Skype interviews with 12 gay men to gather qualitative data about their experience of losing a same-sex partner at the age of 55 or older. Areas of inquiry within the interview included participants’ emotional experience of grief, social supports, meaning making and coping strategies, and practical matters …