What type of grief might not be openly acknowledged or supported by others?

Disenfranchised grief refers to the type of grief that is not openly acknowledged or supported by society, often because the relationship with the deceased is not recognized or valued by others. This can occur in situations such as the loss of a pet, the death of an ex-spouse, or when grief arises from losses that may be stigmatized, like that associated with suicide or overdose. Individuals experiencing disenfranchised grief may feel isolated in their sorrow since their mourning may not be validated by their community, leading to an increased feeling of loneliness and invalidation of their emotions.

In contrast, complicated grief typically refers to prolonged and intense sorrow that interferes with a person’s ability to function, while anticipatory grief is the emotional response that occurs prior to an impending loss, allowing individuals to prepare for the death. Normal grief encompasses the typical emotional response to loss that is generally recognized and understood by others. Thus, disenfranchised grief stands out because it highlights the lack of societal acknowledgment and support, making it a unique and often challenging experience for individuals.