Ambiguous Loss: A Phenomenological Exploration of Women Seeking Support Following Miscarriage

Abstract

This study aims to explore miscarriage through the theory of ambiguous loss. The sample consisted of 10 females currently seeking support services related to their miscarriage experience. From the data, six primary themes emerged from the miscarriage experience, including: Emotional Toll; Stolen Dreams; No One Understands; He Loves Me in a Different Way; Why? I Don’t Understand; and In the End, I Have My Faith. The findings in the current study suggest ambiguous loss theory may not fully capture the experience of miscarriage. Clinical implications and future research directions for this population are discussed.

Keywords:

• Miscarriage
• ambiguous loss
• mental health
• reproductive health
• qualitative analysis
• phenomenological exploration

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katie Mcgee

Katie McGee is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing at AllHealth Network in Colorado. She specializes in couples and family counseling, specifically couples and families struggling with communication and connection.

Morgan E. PettyJohn

Morgan PettyJohn is a doctoral student in the Couple and Family Therapy program at Michigan State University. Her research and clinical interests focus on trauma, specifically as it relates to issues of women’s rights and social justice.

Kami L. Gallus

Kami L. Gallus is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science in the College of Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University. Her research examines systemic dynamics and intergenerational transmission of trauma as well as posttraumatic growth and resilience.