A cross-cultural view of the psychosocial management of miscarriage

Abstract

This study explores the psychosocial implications of three aspects of the management of miscarriage: the physical aspects of the events surrounding the loss, dealing with the cause of the miscarriage and practical advice given to mothers regarding the immediate and longer-term future. Cross-cultural components of these issues are also explored as they apply to the Southern African setting. Four culturally different groups of women were studied. White, Asian (Indian), mixed cultural origin and rural as well as urban African women who had experienced their first pregnancy loss within a year of the investigation were interviewed retrospectively. Findings suggest that the management of miscarriage could be enhanced by attention to the psychosocial aspects of the experience. In particular, discussion of causality as well as of behavioral changes concomitant with a miscarriage are valued by women. Cross-cultural differences in the psychosocial management of miscarriage are revealed as are differences in the women's needs in this regard.