Understanding Grief Experiences of Pet Loss Among African Americans

Disenfranchised grief responses and associated stigma from pet loss have been documented among researchers; however, the unique lived experiences of African American adults facing pet bereavement have been underrepresented in research. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to deepen the understanding of grief responses after pet loss, specifically focusing on African Americans’ experiences of human–pet bereavement. Grounded in the dual process model of coping with bereavement, which emphasizes the oscillation between loss- and restoration-oriented coping strategies, this study explored how African American pet owners experience and make meaning of grief following pet loss. A phenomenological design was employed with a purposeful sample of 23 African American adults in the Midwest United States who had lost a pet during adulthood. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis, which reflected the lived experiences of participants through eight primary themes: (a) familial bonds and pet relationships, (b) anticipatory grief, (c) disenfranchised grief, (d) grief confrontation, (e) grief avoidance, (f) post-loss social support, (g) grief inequities, and (h) spiritual and emotional growth. Findings from this study can inform human services researchers and professionals in developing culturally relevant public health policies, programs, and practices. Such contributions not only enhance support systems within diverse cultural contexts but also have significant implications for positive social change by addressing inequities in bereavement care and fostering inclusive approaches to grief support.