The psychoanalytic conceptualization of perinatal loss: a multidimensional model

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Perinatal Health
• Psychoanalytic Theory

Background:

• Perinatal loss research has advanced significantly over 20 years.
• Recent studies indicate a shift towards viewing perinatal loss as a typical family bereavement, rather than a unique grief experience.
• A comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding perinatal loss is currently lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To offer a multidimensional model for examining perinatal loss.
• To apply four psychoanalytic interpretations of pregnancy to understand the psychological impact of perinatal loss.
• To provide a framework for explaining the repercussions and individual differences in perinatal loss.

Main Methods:

• Applying four psychoanalytic interpretations of pregnancy: developmental interference, drive theory, object relations, and narcissism.
• Reviewing research findings to support the proposed multidimensional model.
• Examining perinatal loss as a disruption of parenthood, intensification of intrapsychic conflicts, and a trigger for unresolved grief.

Main Results:

• Perinatal loss disrupts the developmental phase of parenthood and can cause peer isolation.
• Pregnancy can intensify intrapsychic conflicts, with perinatal loss exacerbating these issues.
• Perinatal loss necessitates mourning and addressing unresolved grief from earlier losses, impacting self-esteem and causing narcissistic injury.

Conclusions:

• The proposed multidimensional model explains the varied repercussions of perinatal loss.
• The model accounts for individual differences in the experience of perinatal loss.
• This framework can guide future research into perinatal loss and bereavement.