Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tina T. Jaeckle

Abstract

Spousal death is a traumatic event well documented amongst clinical professionals because of its impact on a man’s physical and mental health. However, prior research on widowers has focused predominantly on white middle-class males. Little is known about the black indigenous people of color (BIPOC) male experience with spousal death, especially from those who are raising their dependent children. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to understand the lived experiences of BIPOC male widowers and their children. BIPOC widowers experiencing the trauma of this life-changing event without professional assistance are at higher risk of emotional, physical, and mental distress. Attachment theory was used to analyze participants’ grieving and mourning processes. This qualitative study collected data through semi-structured interviews with eight participants. Data analysis occurred via verbatim transcription and coding using DeDoose. Themes included the importance of faith in God and prayer; shifting of responsibilities to the widower; and the importance of help and support from family during difficult times. Although the study shed light on BIPOC widowers, there is a need for more data on this population because individuals of different ethnic groups grieve differently. Professionals in the human services field will benefit from the results of this study by understanding ethnicity is an essential part of grief. Positive social change implications include the need for ongoing education and training on this population’s unique needs coping with grief.

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