| Autor: |
Barros-Lane L; Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA., Yang F; Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA., Vollmann S; Tulane School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA., Allen A; Department of History, Humanities, and Languages, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA., Gilmore E; Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA., Ellis K; Tulane School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA., Sanchez L; Tulane School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA., Buckler K; Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA. |
| Abstrakt: |
Partner loss deprives young widows of physical contact, emotional intimacy, and the fulfillment of sexual desire. Although disenfranchised and oppressed, sexuality is a core piece of women's identity, and sexual bereavement may compel widows to reconstruct their sexual identities. This existential phenomenological study seeks to illuminate the sexual loss and coping of young widows aged 45 and under. Qualitative findings from 21 women indicated three findings: a) young widows felt profound loss regarding their sexual relationships, leading to deep physical loneliness and an initial disinterest in sex; b) some subsequently experienced widows' fire , an involuntary and often distressing intense sexual desire marked by cravings, obsessive thoughts, and a longing for connection; c) widows' fire complicated their struggle to understand their post-loss identities as sexual beings. These findings highlight the neglected and significant repercussions of sexual loss for young widows and point to a need for heightened support, psychoeducation, and research. |
