Women's preferred language for screening for reproductive grief
Maria Brann1, Jennifer J Bute1, Cara Buskmiller2
1Department of Communication, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
PEC Innovation
|March 4, 2026
Summary
Women experiencing reproductive loss found the initial grief screening tool
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Grief following reproductive loss can become complicated, persisting and disrupting daily life.
- Existing screening tools may not adequately address the nuances of reproductive grief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine the wording of the Reproductive Grief Screen (RGS) based on feedback from women with lived experience.
- To improve the identification of complicated grief after reproductive loss.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews (n=27) and survey responses (n=282) from women who experienced reproductive loss.
- Analysis of participant feedback on the wording of RGS items.
- Chi-square item testing for scale development.
Main Results:
- Participant feedback indicated that three of the five RGS items had problematic wording (triggering, confusing, or too wordy).
- Two revised items were supported by participants, but one item still requires further refinement.
Conclusions:
- Patient-centered input is crucial for developing sensitive and effective clinical tools for reproductive grief.
- Further clarification is needed for one RGS item to optimize wording.
- The revised RGS is essential for modernizing care and compassionately identifying complicated grief in women experiencing reproductive loss.
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