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De Vincenzo C, Cena L, Trainini A, Nieddu C, Iacona E, Ronconi L, Testoni I. Perinatal Loss and Parents' Grief Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Research. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:339. [PMID: 38667135 PMCID: PMC11047657 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Losing a child is a traumatic event, disrupting life's natural cycle, profoundly affecting the family system, and causing enduring grief. Perinatal death, including ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths, exacerbates this distress. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems and supporting services available to individuals in need. Thus, this research explores experiences of parents facing perinatal loss in 2020-2021, further focusing on the pandemic's impact. Using a mixed-methods design with self-reports and qualitative interviews, this paper presents results from the quantitative protocol, involving an update and follow-up of a previous study. It compares measurements across scales: COVID-19: The Impact of Event Scale-Revised; The Prolonged Grief-13; The Parental Assessment of Paternal/Maternal Affectivity; The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (short version); The Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale; and The Inventory of Complicated Spiritual Grief. In the baseline measurement, 45 parents participated (37 mothers and 8 fathers), with 20 (13 mothers and 7 fathers) contributing to the follow-up and 9 engaging in interviews. Baseline results showed higher scores for mothers compared to fathers, with effect sizes ranging from small to medium (ranging from -0.02 to 0.29), though statistical significance was limited due to the small sample size. Multiple regression analysis for distress measures at baseline identified two significant predictors: maternal/paternal affectivity and gestational week. Additionally, positive support from healthcare professionals emerged as a mitigating factor, particularly in relation to Avoidance. A significant reduction in stress measures and parental affectivity was observed at the 6-month follow-up. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: Shifts in Self-Perception and Post-Loss Growth; Conflicted Relationship with One's Body; and Negative Impact of COVID-19 vs. Unexpectedly Positive Aspects. In conclusion, the findings emphasize the significance of psychological and psychosocial interventions based on meaning-making processes, along with the importance of spiritual care and empowerment for those navigating perinatal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro De Vincenzo
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
| | - Loredana Cena
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (L.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Alice Trainini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (L.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Chiara Nieddu
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
| | - Erika Iacona
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
| | - Lucia Ronconi
- Computer and Statistical Services, Multifunctional Pole of Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy;
| | - Ines Testoni
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
- Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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2
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Hava D. An Ecological Review of Homicide Bereavement's Risk Factors: Implications for Future Research. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:413-429. [PMID: 36869782 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231155527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This literature review focused on homicide bereavement (HB) risk factors. A content analysis was conducted on 83 empirical papers published in English from January 2000 to December 2021 in peer-reviewed journals. Extracted HB risk factors were synthesized according to six main dimensions: individual level; situational homicide-related factors; and micro, meso, exo, and macro social levels. The review demonstrates that macro-level and situational homicide-related risk factors are in special need of further study. In addition, how HB risk factors interact with one another to influence HB also requires further study. Future research may benefit from examining whether and how individuals experiencing HB influence related factors at various social levels. Last, given that almost all reviewed studies were conducted in Western societies, the sociocultural and ethnic diversity in HB risk factors is in dire need of future study.
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3
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Lee SA, Vilca LW, Carbajal-León C, Reyes-Bossio M, Delgado-Campusano M, Gallegos M, Carranza Esteban R, Noe-Grijalva M. Measurement of Risk Factors Associated With bereavement Severity and Deterioration by COVID-19: A Spanish Validation Study of the Pandemic Grief Risk Factors. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221124987. [PMID: 36066339 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221124987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study translated and evaluated the psychometric evidence of the Pandemic Grief Risk Factors (PGRF) in a sample of 363 people from the general population of Peru who suffered the death of a loved one by COVID-19 (63-4% women and 36.6% men, where 78.5% were between 18 and 29 years old). The findings indicated that the PGRF is a unidimensional and reliable measure. The PGRF items can differentiate between individuals with different levels of risk factors and thus cover a wide range of the latent construct. Also, a greater sense of distress for each of the risk factors for pandemic grief is necessary to answer the higher response categories. Risk factors significantly and positively predict COVID-19-associated dysfunctional grief. The results indicated that the PGRF in Spanish is a measure with adequate psychometric properties to measure risk factors for pandemic grief.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sherman A Lee
- Psychology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Lindsey W Vilca
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú
| | - Carlos Carbajal-León
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Perú
| | - Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Miguel Gallegos
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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4
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Benites AC, Arantes de Oliveira-Cardoso É, Dos Santos MA. Spirituality in Brazilian family caregivers of patients with cancer from the end-of-life care to bereavement. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:249-258. [PMID: 35300583 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2051095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although spirituality can be a source of support during end-of-life and engage a transformative experience after loss, few studies report family members' spiritual and existential needs considering their experiences over time. We conducted a longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis from audio-recorded interviews of 10 family caregivers while providing end-of-life care for cancer patients and during bereavement. Participants' spirituality experiences were presented in three superordinate themes: connectedness with religious beliefs and the deceased; re-signifying relationships, life, and loss; suffering and the family caregiver's needs. Finding connection through relationships, greater existential and spiritual suffering post-loss were important issues involved in expressing their spirituality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Carolina Benites
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Érika Arantes de Oliveira-Cardoso
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Manoel Antônio Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Psicologia, Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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5
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Cipolletta S, Entilli L, Filisetti S. Uncertainty, shock and anger: Recent loss experiences of first‐wave
COVID
‐19 pandemic in Italy. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 32:983-997. [PMID: 35571876 PMCID: PMC9083240 DOI: 10.1002/casp.2604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore qualitatively bereavement experiences of family members who have lost a significant other to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in relation to mourners' needs and resources. Twenty individuals bereaved by the first wave of COVID‐19 from the most heavily impacted Italian region were interviewed via video call between 1 and 3 months after their loss. Through a thematic analysis, four main themes were identified: reconstructions of the loss experience, responses to grief, resources and looking forward. The suddenness of the death and lack of farewell by means of a funeral prevented participants from realizing the loss and undertaking a meaning‐making process. When anger was the main reaction to the loss, mourners focussed all their attention on denouncing medical and government institutions. Acceptance occurred particularly in those who found a way to share their grief and use it as a turning point. Participants relied mainly on informal support offered virtually, but mourners may have sought out in‐person comfort in the long term. The results of this study propose new insights for COVID‐19 bereavement support and trace the path for health promotion within a community shook by a communal grief experience. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorenza Entilli
- Department of General Psychology University of Padua Padua Italy
| | - Sara Filisetti
- Department of General Psychology University of Padua Padua Italy
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6
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Knight S, Fido D, Lennon H, Harper CA. Loss and Assimilation: Lived Experiences of Brexit for British Citizens Living in Luxembourg. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00613-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInconsistent political realities are associated with mental health issues such as hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of Brexit is clearly an important and timely issue, but hitherto has been understudied. This study uses a critical realist approach to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of British citizens living in Luxembourg during the Brexit era. The study reports on semi-structured interviews conducted with 6 British citizens aged 18–65. An experientially focused thematic analysis was conducted, exploring two main themes: Loss (with psychological and broader social implications) and Integration (contrasting the mover’s community with the receiving community). This study demonstrates the psychological impact of Brexit and highlights the urgency for future researchers and mental health practitioners alike — both in the UK and overseas — to consider the human consequences associated with political upheaval. Open access materials for this project can be viewed here: https://osf.io/38rg7/?view_only=b8c04dfc3fe5474f9aff4897e370b3e6.
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7
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Testoni I, Antonellini M, Ronconi L, Biancalani G, Neimeyer RA. Spirituality and Meaning-Making in Bereavement: The Role of Social Validation. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2021.1983304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Testoni
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISSPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Emil Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Marco Antonellini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISSPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lucia Ronconi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISSPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Biancalani
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISSPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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8
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Kelley MM. Teaching Meaning: A Pedagogical Strategy to Help Ministry Students Understand Meaning Making in Narrative Perspective. THE JOURNAL OF PASTORAL CARE & COUNSELING : JPCC 2021; 75:207-213. [PMID: 34384033 DOI: 10.1177/15423050211038905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This article describes a pedagogical classroom exercise that encourages ministry students to understand the jarring experience some people may confront when their life stories are disrupted and their ways of making meaning are challenged. Contemporary work in narrative and meaning making that grounds the exercise is presented. This exercise may be helpful to professionals who teach or mentor ministry students in their care of those enduring loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Kelley
- Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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9
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Asare GO, Annor F, Yendork JS. "It Is Not Something You Can Easily Forget": Ghanaian Parents' Experiences of Child Loss. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 86:644-667. [PMID: 33356969 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820981230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The loss of a child comes with trauma, which affects parents and the entire family. Yet, there is limited support for parents who lose their child and little empirical research has been devoted to the experiences of parents who lose a child in the Ghanaian context. Based on interviews with 20 participants purposively sampled from the Accra Metropolis, this study explored parents' psychosocial experiences of child loss using a qualitative approach. The study's findings indicated that bereaved parents showed signs of complicated grief and experienced spousal neglect, self-blame, and emotional pain. Bereaved parents may become sensitive to child comments years after child loss. The quality of interaction after child loss influences how parents experience the loss. Findings underscore the need for a joint effort by government and other stakeholders in the health sector to address issues related to child loss and provide improved services to those who suffer child loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francis Annor
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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10
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Johnson SK, Zitzmann B. Use of Spirituality to Make Sense of Loss by Homicide. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 84:673-699. [PMID: 32075521 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820907422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a magnification of Stage 2 of the Theory of Post-Homicide Spiritual Change, a three-stage grounded theory of spiritual change after homicide (Theory of PHSC). Having endured the disintegration of their belief systems in the immediate aftermath of murder (Stage 1), survivors turn in Stage 2 to a more extended process of grappling with a crisis of meaning. This Stage 2 process is presented within the framework of the meaning making model, with attention to spiritual meaning making and transcendental experiences. Findings can help service providers support homicide survivors throughout an intermediary stage of bereavement that is marked by a sense of stagnation and diminished well-being. By accompanying survivors through the difficult meaning making efforts that characterize this stage, providers can help position them to break free of intensive cognitive meaning making and gain forward momentum in Stage 3 of the Theory of PHSC and can focus on aspects of life that can help them successfully make meaning of their loss while positioning them to gain forward momentum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon K Johnson
- The Catholic University of America, The National Catholic School of Social Service, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brooks Zitzmann
- The Catholic University of America, The National Catholic School of Social Service, Washington, DC, USA
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11
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Stelzer EM, Palitsky R, Hernandez EN, Ramirez EG, O'Connor MF. The role of personal and communal religiosity in the context of bereavement. J Prev Interv Community 2019; 48:64-80. [PMID: 31140951 DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2019.1617523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Religion and spirituality often become relevant after the death of a loved one. In light of the multidimensionality of religion and spirituality, we investigate the role of communal religiosity in predicting associations between personal religiosity and bereavement outcomes. A mixed-methods analysis of interviews and questionnaires from 33 bereaved adults was conducted. Interview mentions of personal and communal religiosity, and their associations with self-reported religious coping and grief symptoms, were assessed. Personal (β = 0.55, p < .01) and communal religiosity (β = 0.50, p < .01) predicted positive religious coping, as well as negative religious coping and grief severity (β = 0.53, p < .01). In addition, personal religiosity predicted more negative religious coping for participants who expressed low communal religiosity, β = 1.58, SE = .15, t(28) = 4.08, p < .001. After loss, personal religiosity by itself is not necessarily protective. The presence of personal and communal religiosity contributes to positive religious coping, and reduced negative religious coping. However, the absence of communal religiosity indicates vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Stelzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Roman Palitsky
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Emily N Hernandez
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Eli G Ramirez
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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