For whom might disenfranchised grief be particularly challenging?

Disenfranchised grief refers to the suffering experienced by individuals whose losses are not openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned. This type of grief can be particularly challenging for an ex-spouse of the deceased. The relationship may have been significant, filled with shared experiences and emotional ties, but societal norms often minimize or overlook the grief of ex-partners. Friends and immediate family typically receive more public support and validation in their mourning, while an ex-spouse may not feel entitled or allowed to grieve, leading to feelings of isolation and confusion about their emotions.

In contrast, close friends and immediate family members generally have clear social norms surrounding their grief, and business partners might have a professional acknowledgment of their loss, which can help them process their grief. Thus, while anyone can experience disenfranchised grief, the ex-spouse may find it especially difficult because their connection is often perceived as being less valid or significant following the dissolution of the marriage, even if their bond was profound.