Pet Loss, Culture, and Coping: African American Experiences of Grief
Date/Time
Date(s) - Wed, Aug 19, 2026 MDT
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location

Pet loss is a profound yet often disenfranchised form of grief, leaving many individuals without adequate recognition or support. While research has increasingly examined the human–animal bond, the experiences of African American pet owners remain underrepresented. This webinar presents findings from a qualitative phenomenological study of 23 African American adults who experienced pet loss in adulthood. Grounded in the Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement, the study highlights cultural perspectives and eight key themes, including anticipatory grief, disenfranchised grief, inequities in bereavement care, and spiritual and emotional growth. Attendees will gain insight into how cultural context shapes grief responses and how stigma and inequities impact the pet grieving process. Implications for psychological practice will be emphasized, with attention to fostering inclusive and culturally responsive approaches to bereavement care.

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