Abstract
Approximately one million women suffer from perinatal loss (PL) in the United States annually. Societal and provider knowledge and attitudes about the psychological effects of PL and the need for care and support have improved significantly since the 1980s. Anecdotal evidence indicates that experiencing PL still affects women decades later; however, its impact on their grief process and long-lasting effects has not been researched. These narratives are vital to informing support and care. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical framework describing grief processes and long-lasting effects on women experiencing PL before 1980.
Women who experienced PL before 1980 (n=17) were recruited through purposive, snowballing, and theoretical sampling. Data collected during audio-recorded telephone interviews were analyzed using Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory method. Constant comparison and iteration were used to reach theoretical saturation. Symbolic interactionism which emphasizes how subjective meanings arise from societal interactions and change over time as individual experiences change, and which closely aligns with ideas underpinning grounded theory, provided a guiding framework to collect and analyze data in this study.
Perinatal loss is a traumatic event women carry throughout their lifetime. A core category, Living with Loss, emerged as a dynamic process for participants where PL moves from the background to the foreground throughout their lives. Triggers can pull memories of loss into the foreground causing emotions and feelings related to the loss to resurface, while coping and support can return it to the background. Participants described experiences with PL before 1980 which have contributed to the long-lasting effects.
This research provided a model for understanding the grief process in women who experienced perinatal loss prior to 1980. The theory emerging from this study may inform practice for nurses caring for women living with PL by providing insight into the ongoing grief process and leading to individualized, supportive care. The long-lasting effects of perinatal loss are also explained.
Sigma Membership
Delta Xi
Type
Dissertation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Grounded Theory
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Grief, Perinatal Loss, Psychological Effects
Advisors
Stephenson, Pamela||Hansen, Dana||Sheehan, Denice||Evans, Na'Tasha
Degree
PhD
Degree Grantor
Kent State University
Degree Year
2023
Recommended Citation
Saunders, Tina L., "A grounded theory study of the grief process in women who experienced perinatal loss prior to 1980" (2023). Dissertations. 1666.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/dissertations/1666
Rights Holder
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Review Type
None: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2023-06-15
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
Description
This dissertation has also been disseminated through the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. Dissertation/thesis number: 30509869; ProQuest document ID: 2808486880. The author still retains copyright.