Miscarriage: An Ecological Examination

Abstract

A gap exists in the counseling profession between research and practice. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is one approach that could reduce this gap. The CBPR framework can serve as an additional tool for translating research findings into practical interventions for communities and counseling practitioners. Stronger community partnerships between researchers and practitioners will further improve treatment for our clients. The purpose of this study was to develop competencies that would provide the foundations for a training guideline in CBPR. Using the Delphi method, an expert panel achieved consensus on 153 competencies (knowledge, skills, attitudes, activities). Competencies are significant for the profession because they establish best practice, guidelines of service, and professional training.

Cultural Dimensions of Early Pregnancy Loss: Spiritual and Religious Issues

“…Approaches such as feminist theory or relational cultural theory may be helpful in understanding and addressing issues of oppression, including sexism, heterosexism, racism, ableism, ageism, and medical paternalism, that may affect women and their partners throughout their experiences of pregnancy and loss. The use of Bronfenbrenner's (1994) ecological model may be useful in understanding the proximal and distal systemic influences on women's experiences of early pregnancy loss (Rogers et al, 2019). Additionally, the application of attachment theory may help counselors to understand the impact of an early pregnancy loss on the client's relationship to themselves, others, and the world (Diamond & Diamond, 2017), as well as their relationship to their faith or higher power (Beck & McDonald, 2004).…”

“…Counselors must consider the larger cultural systems, sociopolitical influences (Ratts et al, 2015), religion/spirituality, and developmental issues that affect clients' experiences of and responses to early pregnancy loss (Rogers et al, 2019). This examination includes considering the unique cultural identities, and their intersection, of the client, as well as considering power differentials and experiences of privilege and marginalization in relationship to the client's experience of miscarriage.…”

The psychological impact of Early Pregnancy Loss in Portugal: incidence and the effect on psychological morbidity

“…The physical risks to the mother’s well-being are low in cases of EPL if appropriately managed ( 6 ). Nevertheless, an invasive medical procedure is required in some cases, which could be perceived as physical trauma ( 6 , 7 ).…”

“…The physical risks to the mother’s well-being are low in cases of EPL if appropriately managed ( 6 ). Nevertheless, an invasive medical procedure is required in some cases, which could be perceived as physical trauma ( 6 , 7 ). In a study performed by Beutel et al ( 8 ), 48% of the women participating had no significant emotional reactions the first days after the loss, but more recent studies support that a significant number of women end up experiencing very sad feelings after pregnancy loss in general, and for some, these emotions can be very intense ( 3 , 9 , 10 ).…”

“…Feelings of shock, stress, guilt, anger, distress, confusion, sleep and eating disturbances, loneliness, low self-esteem, hopelessness, and helplessness are among the most commonly reported ( 11 ). Several reviews and/or meta-analytic studies have shown that, while many women who suffered an EPL cope with their loss naturally and without complications, it can lead to negative mental health responses in about 25–50% of this population ( 6 , 12 , 13 ).…”