Caroline Lafarge1, Kathryn Mitchell2, Pauline Fox3. 1. a School of Human & Social Sciences , University of West London , Brentford , UK. 2. b Executive Department , University of Derby , Derby , UK. 3. c School of Human & Social Sciences , University of West London , Brentford , UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research about termination for fetal abnormality (TFA) suggests that it is a traumatic event with potential negative psychological consequences. However, evidence also indicates that following traumatic events individuals may experience growth. Although TFA's negative psychological outcomes are well documented, little is known of the potential for growth following this event. Therefore, the study's objectives were to measure posttraumatic growth (PTG) post-TFA, examine the relationship between PTG, perinatal grief and coping, and determine the predictors of PTG. DESIGN: An online, retrospective survey was conducted with 161 women. METHODS: Eligible participants were women over 18 who had undergone TFA. Participants were recruited from a support organisation. They completed the Brief COPE, Short Perinatal Grief Scale and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Data were analysed using regression analyses. RESULTS: Moderate levels of PTG were observed for "relating to others," "personal strengths" and "appreciation of life." "Positive reframing" was a significant predictor of PTG. Despite using mainly "adaptive" coping strategies, women's grief levels were high. CONCLUSIONS: "Adaptive" coping strategies such as, "positive reframing" are relevant to TFA. They may act as protective factors against distress and as foundations for growth, implicating that interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which aim to reframe women's experience, may be beneficial.
BACKGROUND: Research about termination for fetal abnormality (TFA) suggests that it is a traumatic event with potential negative psychological consequences. However, evidence also indicates that following traumatic events individuals may experience growth. Although TFA's negative psychological outcomes are well documented, little is known of the potential for growth following this event. Therefore, the study's objectives were to measure posttraumatic growth (PTG) post-TFA, examine the relationship between PTG, perinatal grief and coping, and determine the predictors of PTG. DESIGN: An online, retrospective survey was conducted with 161 women. METHODS: Eligible participants were women over 18 who had undergone TFA. Participants were recruited from a support organisation. They completed the Brief COPE, Short Perinatal Grief Scale and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Data were analysed using regression analyses. RESULTS: Moderate levels of PTG were observed for "relating to others," "personal strengths" and "appreciation of life." "Positive reframing" was a significant predictor of PTG. Despite using mainly "adaptive" coping strategies, women's grief levels were high. CONCLUSIONS: "Adaptive" coping strategies such as, "positive reframing" are relevant to TFA. They may act as protective factors against distress and as foundations for growth, implicating that interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which aim to reframe women's experience, may be beneficial.
Authors: Natalie C Spach; Elana F Jaffe; Kristen A Sullivan; Ilona T Goldfarb; Jean R Anderson; Jenell Coleman; Sappho Z Gilbert; Marielle S Gross; Lisa Rahangdale; Ruth R Faden; Anne D Lyerly Journal: Obstet Gynecol Date: 2021-11-01 Impact factor: 7.661
Authors: Na Wang; Xiu Zhu; Jenny Gamble; Elizabeth Elder; Jyai Allen; Debra K Creedy Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-05-28 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Frederike H W Dekkers; Attie T J I Go; Luuk Stapersma; Alex J Eggink; Elisabeth M W J Utens Journal: Prenat Diagn Date: 2019-05-21 Impact factor: 3.050