A Review of the Literature on Three Types of Disenfranchised Grief ...

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coined, Gyulay seemed to have recognized this phenomenon in <strong>the</strong> grief <strong>of</strong> grandparents. Interestingly, nothing fur<strong>the</strong>r is noted in <strong>the</strong> literature relevant to grandparent bereavement until 1989; and since 1989 <strong>the</strong>re have been only seven papers and one book published on <strong>the</strong> subject. It is obvious that grandparents have been largely ignored in <strong>the</strong> grief and bereavement literature. Fur<strong>the</strong>r study is crucial because gaining a deeper understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grandparent bereavement experience will aid service pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, friends, and loved ones in reaching out to grandparents and helping <strong>the</strong>m cope with <strong>the</strong>ir loss. The acknowledgement <strong>of</strong> this understudied subject will provide grandparents with comfort and reassurance that <strong>the</strong>ir reactions are normal and acceptable. In addition, fur<strong>the</strong>r study will allow <strong>the</strong>rapeutic interventions to be more easily adapted to <strong>the</strong> unique needs <strong>of</strong> grieving grandparents. 20
Introduction to Birthmo<strong>the</strong>r Grief Chapter III: Grief <strong>of</strong> Birthmo<strong>the</strong>rs Following Adoption The experience <strong>of</strong> relinquishing a child for adoption is extremely unique and difficult (Aloi, 2009; Askren & Bloom, 1999; De Simone, 1996; Henney et ai., 2007; Lauderdale & Boyle, 1994; Logan, 1996). Bilihmo<strong>the</strong>rs experience intense grief over <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir child, a lack <strong>of</strong> recognition and acknowledgment <strong>of</strong> that grief, and a lack <strong>of</strong> social support and understanding They also commonly experience complications such as unresolved grief, mental health problems, and intense longing for <strong>the</strong>ir absent child (Askren & Bloom, 1999; De Simone, 1996; Henney et ai., 2007; Lauderdale & Boyle, 1994; Logan, 1996). This review <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> literature will discuss some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> common <strong>the</strong>mes associated with birthmo<strong>the</strong>r grief and will address <strong>the</strong> need for fur<strong>the</strong>r study, particularly as it relates to <strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> disenfranchised grief. The Postadoptive Birthmo<strong>the</strong>r Experience A scholarly literature search using <strong>the</strong> keywords "adoption" and "grief' yielded 190 results; only two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se articles specifically identified disenfranchised grief as being relevant to birthmo<strong>the</strong>rs. Of <strong>the</strong> articles that did not reference disenfranchised grief, five were selected for review based on <strong>the</strong>ir relatively recent publication date and <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong>y indicate evidence <strong>of</strong> disenfranchisement. Relinquishing birthmo<strong>the</strong>rs commonly experience feelings <strong>of</strong> embarrassment and shame surrounding both <strong>the</strong> pregnancy (which is <strong>of</strong>ten unplanned) and <strong>the</strong> decision to relinquish (De Simone, 1996; Lauderdale & Boyle, 1994). Because, even in <strong>the</strong> present day, <strong>the</strong>re is still somewhat <strong>of</strong> a social stigma attached to unwed and teenage pregnancies, relinquishing birthmo<strong>the</strong>rs and <strong>the</strong>ir families may choose to keep <strong>the</strong> situation a secret. This secrecy can 21
Page 2 and 3: Author: Davidson, Hannah M. The Gra
Page 4 and 5: The Graduate School University <str
Page 6 and 7: Chapter I: Introduction There are c
Page 8 and 9: 2. Loss not acknowledged: losses ar
Page 10 and 11: among the emotions
Page 12 and 13: disenfranchised grief situation fal
Page 14 and 15: Introduction to Grandparent Grief C
Page 16 and 17: Another important
Page 18 and 19: socially defined roles, rituals, an
Page 22 and 23: contribute to feelings of</
Page 24 and 25: of worse because y
Page 26 and 27: onding with their
Page 28 and 29: Introduction to Grief of</s
Page 30 and 31: Doka (1986) found that the<
Page 32 and 33: Many bereaved ex-spouses repOli fee
Page 34 and 35: participants had attended t
Page 36 and 37: McRoy, Grotevant, & Bryant, 1997).
Page 38 and 39: papers like Aloi's, as well as empi
Page 40 and 41: References Aloi, 1.A. (2009). Nursi
Page 42 and 43: Hyrkas, K., Kaunonen, M., & Paunone

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