Abstract
M.Cur.
The story of loss, after the experience of spontaneous abortion affects the women’s being as a whole. It impacts her emotional, physical, intellectual, social and spiritual dimensions. The woman finds herself robbed of her voice by her social network. She stands isolated in her new reality of loss and bereavement.
This research tells the story of the women’s loss after the experience of spontaneous abortion.
The objectives of the research are to
• explore and describe the women’s experience after a spontaneous abortion, and
• describe guidelines for the advanced psychiatric nurse practitioner according to which he/she can provide support to women after the experience of spontaneous abortion and facilitate mental health through the mobilisation of resources.
The paradigmatic perspective of this study is guided by the Theory for Health Promotion in Nursing (Rand Afrikaans University, Department of Nursing Science, 2002: 2-8).
A functional approach was followed, based on Botes’s model for nursing research (Botes in Rand Afrikaans University: Department of Nursing, 2002: 9-15). A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual design was used. In-depth, semi-structured, phenomenological interviews were held with seven women who fitted the sample criteria. Consent for the research was obtained from the Rand Afrikaans University as well as informed consent from the women volunteering to participate in the research.
Trustworthiness was maintained by using strategies of credibility, applicability, dependability and confirmability, as described by Lincoln and Guba (1985: 289-331). Recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using Tesch’s data analysis techniques (in Creswell, 1994: 155-136). An independent coder was utilised in coding the data, and a consensus discussion was held between the researcher and the independent coder. A central storyline was identified and themes highlighted.
A literature control was undertaken to highlight similarities and differences between this and other research.
The results were described in a narrative manner, which included the content as well as the processes of the women’s emotional experiences after the experience of spontaneous abortion. The impact of the loss affected her social dimension in terms of emotional processes as well as emotional expression.
Participants experienced a strong need for acknowledgment of their loss and understanding of their reality of loss and bereavement.
The spontaneous abortion has an impact on the women’s physical dimension. She experiences physical discomfort.
The impact also effects her spiritual dimension by influencing her relationship with herself and God.
The impact also touches her social dimension by robbing her of her voice through her social network’s response to the spontaneous abortion. There is also an impact on her relationship with her partner, as men and women experience and express loss differently.
In the reality of loss and bereavement, the participants identified hope givers and hope stealers.
Hope givers include
• a strong connection with women who experienced spontaneous abortion themselves,
• strengthening their relationship with God,
• time as a healing faktor,
• the value of sharing their stories,
• the ability to find meaning after spontaneous abortion, and
• the need for emotional growth.
Hope stealers include
• the response from people in her social network with regard to the spontaneous abortion,
• experience of loss of control,
• insufficient support in their interpersonal relationships and social network,
• confronting the finality of the loss, and
• being confronted with pregnant women en babies.
Guidelines for the advanced psychiatric nurse practitioner to provide support to women after the experience of spontaneous abortion will be described to assist them in mobilising their resources to facilitate the promotion of their mental health.