Perinatal Loss: The Effect on Attachment in Subsequent Pregnancies.

摘要

The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of perinatal loss on attachment behaviors in subsequent pregnancies. A modified version of Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Tool was utilized to measure the difference in attachment, during subsequent pregnancies, between mothers who had experienced a previous perinatal loss and those who had not. A Likert Scale was used to respond to the 44 statements comprising the tool. In addition, three open-ended questions were included to further clarify feelings, beliefs, and behaviors as they pertained to attachment. The sample consisted of 10 women; 5 in the study group and 5 in the comparison group. Subjects in the comparison group were matched with those in the study group, providing a more homogeneous sample. Three years was the average number of years since the loss and 16 months the average length of time between loss and subsequent pregnancy. Although there was no statistical significance in the findings measured by the attachment tool, the open ended questions provided insight into how attachment differs between the two groups. Women who had experienced a previous loss claimed some hesitation in forming attachment with their fetus/infant, feelings of anxiety lasting throughout the pregnancy and immediately following delivery, and the loss of the opportunity to participate in the joy and excitement normally experienced during pregnancy. Suggestions for future research are offered. (kt)