Men and grief: A review of research

Abstract

The subject of men's grief has rarely been addressed in the literature. This paper discusses the grieving process and reviews the literature for cultural and gender variation in grieving. Research related to male sex‐role socialization illustrates how men are reared to control emotional expression. Findings related to the loss of a spouse and the loss of a child are reviewed. Suggestions are offered for social work services to grieving men.

Notes

Lany Lister, D.S.W., is Professor and Chair of the M.S.W. program at the University of Hawaii School of Social Work where he teaches practice. He has done research in the areas of death and dying and sex roles.

The author would like to express appreciation to Diane Wickstrom for her suggestions concerning this paper.