Exploring Grief Witnessing Among Black Americans

Abstract

Black Americans grieve at alarmingly high rates due to mortality disparities, yet are often denied the opportunity to grieve openly. Limited access to responsive support may compound the challenges. The presence of a witness, who recognizes the loss and affirms the griever’s right to feel and express their grief, may be beneficial. The present study tested if the number and quality of witnesses would influence grief severity for Black Americans. Participants (N= 95) who identified as Black were recruited through referrals from Black community institutions, word-of-mouth dissemination, local events and engaging with Black community leaders. In an online survey, participants provided loss history, witnessing experiences, and prolonged grief symptoms. Participants (N=10) participated in follow-up semi-structured interviews. Predictors of prolonged grief severity, including number of witnesses, age, and months since loss, yielded a statistically significant model. Additionally, evaluating the effect of witness quality on grief severity found overall model significance (F (3,91) = 6.33, p = 0.001.) Results showed that higher reported witness quality was associated with lower grief severity scores (? = -0.2, SE = 0.05, p < 0.001). Qualitatively, 7 themes were identified, illustrating the qualities of the griever’s witnesses, including a shared identity with the griever, and having known the deceased. Findings suggest that a quality witness can reduce grief severity. The presence of witnesses provides affirming emotional support and ensures the person’s grief is not disenfranchised. More witnesses may be a protective factor. The specific qualities of the witness, as identified by the bereaved individual, may enhance the understanding of how witness qualities validate and acknowledge their grief.