Professional Bereavement Photography in the Setting of Perinatal Loss: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Perinatal loss, including fetal and infant death, is a devastating experience for parents, resulting in long-term adverse physical and psychosocial outcomes. However, little is known about what services might best support grieving parents. We aimed to understand the role of professional bereavement photography in assisting the grieving process of parents who have lost a fetus or infant, by examining the perspectives of bereaved parents, professional photographers, and health care professionals. Twenty semistructured interviews were conducted, and interview transcripts were analyzed using modified grounded theory. Twenty-three individuals participated, including 6 bereaved parents, 8 photographers, and 9 health care professionals. Analyses generated 5 major themes describing ways in which the photographs were valuable to parents: validation of the experience, permission to share, creation of a permanent and tangible legacy, creation of positive memories, and moving forward after the loss. Hospitals should consider incorporation of professional bereavement photography services into palliative care and bereavement programs.

Integrative Review of Emotional Care Following Perinatal Loss

“…Perinatal loss is a devastating episode for parents with long-term adverse physical and psychosocial consequences (Ramirez et al, 2019). Although the World Health Organization (WHO) interprets perinatal period as commencing at 22 completed weeks (154 days) of gestation and ending 7 completed days after birth, in practice this period is longer, as well as what is reported in the literature on the topic (López García de Madinabeitia, 2011).…”

A mixed methods exploration of a pilot photo-reflection intervention for enhancing coping and well-being during COVID-19

“…There is evidence that photo-taking modulates attentional processes and memory accuracy ( Henkel, 2014 ), increases experiential engagement ( Diehl, Zauberman, & Barasch, 2016 ) and potentially provides a protective coping effect to mental health in traumatic environments ( Feinstein et al, 2020 , Ramirez et al, 2019 ). Different forms of photo-taking therefore appear to have different impacts on experience ( Chen et al, 2016 , Diehl et al, 2016 , Henkel, 2014 ).…”

“…In addition, purposeful reflection on difficult past events through journaling can help to reduce rumination with potential for both biological and psychological benefits ( Pennebaker, 1995 ) and this may be facilitated through reflection on photography. A directional focus on challenges experienced may therefore facilitate in moment reflection, offering the opportunity for objective consideration and mindfulness around the challenge at hand ( Diehl et al, 2016 , Nardini et al, 2019 , Ramirez et al, 2019 ). There is a lack of research into the most effective approaches to photo-taking interventions, and how these might function to influence well-being.…”

Der Wandel der Anerkennung von Fehl- und Totgeburt als Geburt eines Kindes

“…Entsprechende Praktiken der Familialisierung sind in der letzten Dekade in der (Palliative-)Care-Forschung in den Fokus gerückt (exemplarisch Côté-Arsenault und Kavanaugh 2018). Studien betonen u. a. die Bedeutung von Fotografien des Babys, die nach der Geburt aufgenommen werden, und anderen Erinnerungsstücken, wie Fußabdrücken oder Kuscheltieren (Layne 2000;Ramirez et al 2019). Diese "linking objects" (Wheeler 1999, S. 289) stellen eine Möglichkeit für die Trauernden dar, eine Verbindung mit dem verstorbenen Kind aufrechtzuerhalten, und können gegenüber Dritten später als "Existenzbeweise" fungieren.…”