The Psychological Impact of Stillbirth on Women
A Systematic Review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 14996793 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Louise Campbell-Jackson (University of Oxford), Antje Horsch (0000-0002-9950-9661, University of Lausanne) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 237-256 |
| Publication date | 2014-07-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Illness Crisis & Loss (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1054-1373 • E-ISSN: 1552-6968 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.2190/il.22.3.d |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 44 |
This systematic review explored the psychological impact of stillbirth (from 20 weeks gestation) on mothers. A search was conducted in the National Library for Health and Web of Science, Cochrane Review, and Google Scholar. A secondary search based on results from the preliminary search was undertaken. A systematic search identified 26 articles (8 qualitative, 18 quantitative studies), which met criteria and were reviewed according to guidelines. The findings revealed that stillbirth is a distressing experience that can result in high levels of psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, distress, and negative well-being. Symptoms appear to be highest in the first few months post loss although there is evidence to suggest that for some, symptoms may persist up to 3 years. The long-lasting impact of stillbirth on women was echoed in the qualitative research. Risk factors for higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms included higher parity at the time of loss and not being married. Social support in particular was identified to be beneficial for women post loss. Longitudinal studies utilizing designs which permit causality to be determined are required to explore the specific experience of stillbirth. Further exploration of risk and protective factors, cultural beliefs, and the impact on partner relationships is needed. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed in light of current guidance
Men’s grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss
Pain without reward
Religious Experience as a Predictor of the Meaning in Life and Life Satisfaction in the Lives of Polish Women after a Stillbirth
The quality of intrapartum care during stillbirth deliveries in conflict-affected Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo
Carrying Death
Fathers’ Relational Experiences of Stillbirth
From “Silent Birth” to Voices Heard
From loss to closer bonds
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Living With Stillborn Babies as Family Members
The effects of social support on maternal anxiety and depression after stillbirth
When a Baby Dies
Toward a Theoretical Framework for Perinatal Bereavement
The impact of a child death on marital adjustment
The mental health impact of stillbirth, neonatal death or Sids
The effects of pregnancy loss on women's health
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2018 - 2026 (9) |
| Highly cited | No |