Unseen Grief: Navigating Disenfranchised and Ambiguous Loss

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the often overlooked and invalidated forms of grief that extend beyond traditional mourning. Discussing the concept of 'disenfranchised grief,' the episode delves into how economic systems and societal norms suppress acknowledgment of certain types of loss. From the unexpected death of a first love to ongoing ambiguous losses, Poston examines how these unacknowledged forms of grief affect our mental and physical health. She highlights the limitations of traditional grief models and emphasizes the need for more inclusive and validating support systems. The episode also tackles the political and structural issues surrounding grief, arguing that acknowledging and integrating our losses is crucial for emotional well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Sneaky Grief
01:33 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief
04:00 Personal Story: The Unexpected Call
06:06 The Continuing Bonds Model
08:35 Ambiguous Loss and Its Impact
11:20 The Political Side of Grief
15:27 The Physiology of Grief
17:33 Prolonged Grief Disorder
19:16 Collective and Marginalized Grief
21:11 Conclusion: Validating All Forms of Grief

References

Albuquerque, S., Teixeira, A. M., & Rocha, J. C. (2021). COVID-19 and disenfranchised grief. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 638874.

Boss, P. (2006). Loss, trauma, and resilience: Therapeutic work with ambiguous loss. W. W. Norton.

Cesur-Soysal, G., & Arı, E. (2024). How we disenfranchise grief for self and other: An empirical study. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 88(2), 620-637.

Djelantik, A. A. A. M. J., Smid, G. E., Mroz, A., Kleber, R. J., & Boelen, P. A. (2020). The prevalence of prolonged grief disorder in bereaved individuals following unnatural losses: Systematic review and meta regression analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 265, 146-156.

Doka, K. J. (1989). Disenfranchised grief: Recognizing hidden sorrow. Lexington Books.

Hewson, H., et al. (2023). The impact of continuing bonds following bereavement: A systematic review. Death Studies, 47(7), 762-775.

Hopf, S. M., Riegel, B., Waters, C., Tamres, L., Good, M., Penner, A., & Guo, W. (2020). Neuroendocrine mechanisms of grief and bereavement: A systematic review and implications for future interventions. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 32(8), e12887.

Klass, D., Silverman, P. R., & Nickman, S. L. (Eds.). (2014). Continuing bonds: New understandings of grief. Taylor & Francis.

O'Connor, M. F. (2019). Grief: A brief history of research on how body, mind, and brain adapt. Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine.

Phillip, L. (2024, July 8). Grief accrues faster than sick days: A reflection on pain, place, and productivity. The Philanthropist Journal. Retrieved from https://thephilanthropist.ca/2024/07/grief-accrues-faster-than-sick-days-a-reflection-on-pain-place-and-productivity/

Phillips, C. S., Trainum, K., & Thomas Hebdon, M. C. (2025). Hidden in plain sight: A scoping review of professional grief in healthcare and charting a path for change. Health Services Insights. Sage Journals.

Pitimson, N. (2021). Work after death: An examination of the relationship between grief, emotional labour, and the lived experience of returning to work after a bereavement. Sociological Research Online, 26(3), 590-606

Prigerson, H. G., Boelen, P. A., Xu, J., Smith, K. V., & Maciejewski, P. K. (2021). Validation of the new DSM-5-TR criteria for prolonged grief disorder and the PG-13-Revised (PG-13-R) scale. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 96-106.

Sandberg, S., & Grant, A. (2017). Option B: Facing adversity, building resilience, and finding joy. Knopf

Stroebe, M., Schut, H., & Boerner, K. (2017). Cautioning health-care professionals: Bereaved persons are misguided through the stages of grief. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 74(4), 455-473.

Wilson, D. M., Rodríguez-Prat, A., & Low, G. (2020). The potential impact of bereavement grief on workers, work, careers, and the workplace. Social Work in Health Care, 59(6), 335–350.