Meanings attributed by bereaved unmarried intimate partners of fallen soldiers to their loss

The death of a partner may be stressful for unmarried intimate partners as they lack legal status vis-à-vis the partner, and, thus, lack sufficient cultural support. This qualitative study examined the meaning attributed to the loss by 12 Israeli bereaved intimate partners of fallen soldiers. Through applying a constructivist-narrative methodology, we derived three clusters from interviews with the intimate partners: (a) The relationships never ended–“an unfinished business,” (b) The need to conceal the relationships–“a hidden wound,” and (c) The relationship guides their lives–“a compass.” Practical implications were discussed.