Attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, gestational stage and post-loss period as predictors of PTSD symptom...

Miscarriage is a common reproductive loss that can have significant psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study aimed to examine the association between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, post-loss period and gestational stage at pregnancy loss with PTSD symptom severity among women who have experienced miscarriage in Cyprus.

A cross-sectional study employing convenience sampling was conducted. A total of 176 women who had experienced a miscarriage completed an online questionnaire. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), while romantic attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were measured using the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire. Participants also provided demographic information, including gestational stage at miscarriage and post-loss period. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine predictors of PTSD symptom severity.

Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were both significantly associated with increased PTSD symptom severity following miscarriage. Women who had experienced a miscarriage within the previous 12 months as well as women who experienced later miscarriage reported significantly higher PTSD symptoms. Multiple regression analysis further demonstrated that attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, post-loss period and gestational stage independently predicted PTSD symptom severity.

The findings indicate that partner attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, post-loss period and gestational stage are important factors associated with PTSD symptom severity following miscarriage. These results highlight the importance of early psychological screening and attachment-informed support following miscarriage, particularly within the first year after loss.