Ambiguous Loss: a Phenomenological Exploration of Women Seeking Support Following Miscarriage

Abstract

Miscarriage is a fairly common experience that is overlooked by today's society. Miscarriage as simply a female medical issue does not embody the full emotional toll of the experience. Research is lacking on miscarriage and the couple relationship. Even further, a framework for understanding miscarriage is nonexistent. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of miscarriage as well as provide a framework for understanding miscarriage. The current study will look at miscarriage through the lenses of ambiguous loss theory and trauma theory. The sample consisted of 10 females, five who interviewed as individuals and 5 who interviewed with their partners as a couple. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with each individual participant, and the five couples were interviewed as a couple as well. From the data, six themes and four subthemes emerged for the female experience: Emotional toll, Stolen dreams, No one understands, He loves me in a different way, Why? I don't understand, and In the end, I have my faith. Five themes emerged for the male experience: Shaking my faith, It's not about me, It's about her, It's so out of your control, Relief through faith, relief through knowing we are not alone. One theme emerged from interviewing couples: Strong relationships become stronger. Future research, limitations, and clinical implications are discussed.