The Process Model of Stigmatized Loss

Identity-Threatened Experiences of Bereaved Mothers

Dados Bibliográficos

ID4641961
AutoresElizabeth A Minton (0000-0002-3567-5230, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA, autor correspondente), Cindy Xin Wang (0000-0002-1687-5579, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA), Carissa M Anthony (Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA), Alexa K Fox (0000-0002-2275-6613, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA)
Ano2023
Volume33
Fascículo14
Páginas1262-1278
Data de publicação2023-12-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10497323231203643
PMID37848195
OpenAlexW4387697351
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas35

Despite almost one-third of women suffering from the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, it is surprising how little research examines how such loss affects the identity and stigmas experienced by these individuals. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with bereaved mothers (in particular, mothers who lost a baby during pregnancy or within one year after birth), this research sheds light on the bereaved mother's experiences after loss. Specifically, this research applies the identity-threat model of stigma to showcase the process of stigmatized loss. Based on our findings, we also introduce the process model of stigmatized loss that can apply to all types of stigmatized loss. Key themes emerged as we explored stigmatized loss discourses. These include situational cues that trigger stigma, identity-based responses that aim to preserve both a baby's and mother's identity, as well as nonvolitional and volitional responses that help restore control and reconstruct identity. Additionally, other themes revolve around positive and negative outcomes stemming from avoiding stigmatized identity activation and identification of triggers that initiate a recursive process through stigmatized baby loss. Importantly, stigma can be perceived as both an identity threat (negative) and an identity confirmation (positive). Findings inform theory and practice alike

Developmental psychology · Miscarriage · Pregnancy · Psychiatry · Psychology of self · Situational ethics · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Homelessness and Social Issues · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology · Social Psychology