The experience of stillbirth and miscarriage
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What does it mean to lose a child? An exploration of women and mens’ experiences of miscarriage and stillbirth in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
IRAS ID
190463
Contact name
Anne Tracey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, days
Research summary
The loss of a baby through stillbirth or miscarriage can be traumatic for parents and the wider family network (McCreight, 2008). It is recognised that the loss of a child comprises many losses including the longing to be a parent, self-esteem and concerns about future pregnancies (eg. Campbell-Jackson and Horsch, 2014). It has been shown that deep emotional responses such as depression, grief and guilt follow miscarriage (Lee and Rowlands, 2015); and the loss of a child through stillbirth results in anxiety, depression, distress and negative well-being (Campbell-Jackson and Horsch, 2014). Important studies have been undertaken with women in the Irish context (eg. McCreight, 2008; Mulvihill and Walsh, 2014), and with men and women in other countries (eg. Abboud and Liamputtong, 2003). The impact on partners of miscarrying women needs further attention (Klier, Geller and Ritsher, 2002). Studies often address the experiences of women only and the importantly findings from studies concerning stillbirth and miscarriage need to be disseminated beyond academic literature (eg. journals) to the wider public. This study intends to explore the experiences of men and women who have lost a child through still-birth or miscarriage in Ireland as a whole. The findings will form the basis of journal papers, presentations and a book on the topic.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
15/NI/0239
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion