Re-Authoring Identity: How Narrative Group Therapy Supports The Metabolization Of Grief In Later In Life Coming Out
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Authors
Tickner, Tiffany
Issue Date
2025-09
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
2SLGBTQIA+ , grief , narrative group therapy , group therapy , queer , anticipatory grief , ambiguous grief , coming out , disenfranchised grief , non-finite grief , minority stress , narratve therapy , bereavement
Alternative Title
Abstract
Research on grief among older 2SLGBTQIA+ adults (ages 35–60) experiencing Later-in-Life Coming Out (LLCO) is limited. Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality are heightened by minority stressors like stigma, discrimination, poverty, and reduced access to care, factors rooted in heteronormative discourse. These intersecting stressors, combined with relational disruptions, shifting family roles, loss of safety or privilege, missed milestones, and internalized oppression, can compound four key types of LLCO grief: anticipatory, ambiguous, disenfranchised, and non-finite grief. Current research shows that processing grief in a group setting supports emotional healing, reduces mental health challenges, fosters more affirmative 2SLGBTQIA+ identity narratives, and builds a sense of community that lessens isolation. Using Foucauldian discourse analysis, minority stress theory, and narrative therapy, this capstone explores how these grief experiences intersect with identity formation and examines how narrative group therapy can help metabolize LLCO grief while fostering more empowering and affirming narratives.