The impact of anencephaly on parents: A mixed-methods study. Issue 9 (21st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berry, Shandeigh N.; Severtsen, Billie; Davis, Andra; Nelson, Lonnie; Hutti, Marianne H.; Oneal, Gail
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 46:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 2198
• Page End: 2207
• Publication Date: 2022-10-21
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1909669
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: This study used a convergent parallel mixed-method design to explore the impact of an anencephalic pregnancy on parents. Twenty women and four men between 18–59 years old participated. Interview transcripts were analyzed using interpretive phenomenology and synthesized with Perinatal Grief Intensity Scale scores using a Pearson's correlation. Overall, 75% of parents scored intense grief. Qualitative patterns included overwhelming trauma, patient-centeredness as critical, stigmatizing perinatal loss, embracing personhood, and reframing reality . Control over care was associated with decreased grief ( p =.019). Health care professionals are ideally positioned to reduce the risk of intense grief in parents experiencing an anencephalic pregnancy.