Grief and bereavement experiences of couples with prenatal loss experience: Examining psycho-social intricacies in a qualitative phenomenological study


Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Eğitim Fakültesi, Eğitim Bilimleri Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2019

Öğrenci: BETÜL TANACIOĞLU

Danışman: ÖZGÜR ERDUR BAKER

Özet:

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of partners who experienced pregnancy loss. For this purpose, qualitative methodology was preferred, and phenomenology method was used in order to reflect the participants' experiences related to pregnancy loss. After conducting pilot study to get feedback about the quality, wording, and structure of sentences; the interview questions were reviewed by the academicians and psychological counselors. The data of the study were gathered via semi-structured interviews with 10 couples (10 men and 10 women). The couples were interviewed separately, and the transcribed data were analyzed by using thematic analysis method. The codes and themes that were emerged from the data were shaped regarding the research questions and related literature. The results discovered from the data explained four main themes: motivation to have a baby, short-term and long-term effects of pregnancy loss and factors affecting the grief resolution. The findings of the study revealed that pregnancy loss reactions were similar to reactions to other losses people experience. Moreover, the differences between men and women were highlighted. Results regarding the coping of the bereaved participants showed that having a prior or subsequent child, having positive perceived support from the partner and social environment could be protective factors for the bereaved ones. The findings were discussed and interpreted in the light of data gathered and the related literature. Implications for further research and for psychological counseling practices were considered.