The Lived Experience of Survival and Bereavement Following the Death of a Lover from AIDS

This phenomenologic study explored the lived experience of survival and bereavement following the death of a lover from AIDS. The sample (N = 8) included individuals who had lost a lover/partner to AIDS within the 18 month period prior to interview. Respondents were asked to reply to the following question: "Please describe your experience of losing a lover to AIDS. Describe events and feelings which you experienced both prior to and after the death of your lover." Themes were identified, analyzed, sorted into theme clusters and then categorized. Categories of Isolation/Disconnectedness, Emotional Confusion, and Acceptance/Denial were identified. A statement of the essential nature of the experience of surviving the death of a lover/partner from AIDS is presented.