Posttraumatic Growth and Continued Bonds in Fathers Receiving Bereavement Photography Following Perinatal Loss: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Research exploring fathers’ experiences of using bereavement photography after perinatal loss is lacking. Using continuing bonds theory, this study aims to investigate fathers’experiences of bereavement photography and predictors of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Mixed methodology was employed with participants (n = 29). A hierarchical regression showed that there were no significant associations between continuing bonds and PTG, but time since death predicted PTG in bereaved fathers. Further, a t test indicated that there was no significant difference in PTG for mothers and fathers. A thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data from an open-ended survey question (n = 23) and semi-structured interviews (n = 3) with fathers. The qualitative analysis of fathers' responses showed themes relating to bonding/connection, capturing memories, recommendations to receive photography help with grieving, validation, memory-making and continuing bonds, and engagement with photos. Fathers valued bereavement photographs as it enabled them to integrate grief over time.