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Evaluation of a perinatal grief support team
M F Lake1, T M Johnson, J Murphy
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
A perinatal grief support team intervention did not change overall grief scores but reduced anger and physical symptoms in women after stillbirth or perinatal death. Social support enhanced these benefits.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Grief counseling
- Psychological support
Background:
- Stillbirth and perinatal death cause significant maternal grief.
- Existing hospital care may not adequately address complex grief reactions.
- Early intervention is crucial for mitigating long-term psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a perinatal grief support team intervention.
- To assess the impact of specialized care on maternal grief symptomatology.
- To identify factors influencing grief resolution following perinatal loss.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 78 women experiencing stillbirth or perinatal death.
- Comparison between a grief support team protocol and routine hospital care.
- Grief assessment using a self-administered questionnaire at 6 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in overall grief scores between groups.
- The intervention group reported significantly lower anger-hostility and physical symptoms.
- Life changes and social support were associated with reduced grief symptomatology.
- Low social support combined with intervention led to lower scores on multiple grief subscales.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal grief support teams can alleviate specific aspects of grief, such as anger and physical symptoms.
- Social support plays a critical role in moderating the effectiveness of grief interventions.
- Targeted support may be beneficial for women experiencing significant life changes or low social support.