Pain without reward: A phenomenological exploration of stillbirth for couples and their hospital encounter. Issue 2 (7th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: King, Michael Q.; Oka, Megan; Robinson, W. David
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 45:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 162
• Publication Date: 2021-02-07
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1626936
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: Stillbirth constitutes a unique form of grief related to the death of an unborn child. This study explores the experiences of eight couples who lost a child to stillbirth, from the time they suspected something was wrong to their release from the hospital and beyond. Couples were interviewed conjointly and data were analyzed qualitatively using a phenomenological approach. Analysis revealed themes of positive and negative encounters with hospital staff, grief and loss, relationships with spouse and family, and long-term impacts. Implications for clinicians are discussed, including gender differences in the grief process for fathers and mothers.