Posttraumatic growth after perinatal loss: A systematic review.
María Alvarez-Calle1, Covadonga Chaves1
1School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
Midwifery
|March 24, 2023
Summary
Parents experiencing perinatal loss can achieve posttraumatic growth, developing personal strength and appreciating life more. Finding meaning and social support are key factors in this growth journey.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Perinatal Health
- Grief Studies
Background:
- Perinatal loss is a significant, often socially unrecognized, source of parental grief.
- Grief responses can coexist with posttraumatic growth (PTG).
- Understanding PTG after perinatal loss is crucial for parental well-being.
Approach:
- Systematic review of studies investigating PTG in individuals experiencing perinatal loss.
- Searched PROQUEST and Web of Science databases for articles published between 2011 and 2021.
- Analyzed 10 selected articles to synthesize findings on PTG.
Key Points:
- Participants demonstrated moderate levels of PTG, particularly in personal strength, relationships, and life appreciation.
- New possibilities and spiritual growth were also reported, though to a lesser extent.
- Facilitating factors included finding meaning, belief changes, adaptive coping, rumination, continued bonds, and social support.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal loss can be a catalyst for significant posttraumatic growth.
- Identifying and supporting factors that promote growth can aid parental adjustment.
- This review provides a foundation for developing interventions to foster resilience and growth following perinatal loss.
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