An exploratory study of miscarriage on altered marital relationships and factors

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the ways miscarriage can alter a couple's marital relationship and its related factors.MethodA qualitative, contextual analysis was conducted of 166 subjects-women who had miscarried from three months to two years earlier and their spouses. They were recruited by notices on bulletin board at women's centers, through an Internet Web Site, and through acquaintances. An open-ended question, 'How did the miscarriage alter/ affect your relationship?' was asked on questionnaires. 14 males and 152 females responded, describing changes in their relationship after miscarriage. The descriptions were coded into 177 data, which were grouped and analyzed using inductive and contextual methods.ResultsThe contents were compiled into five categories: two negative changes-a worsening of a shallow relation and the aggravation and breakdown of the relation; and three positive changes-better cycle of the development and maturing of each person as an individual and as a couple; a deepening and evolving of each couple's relation; and a improvement of intimate relations.Eight factors were involved in the negative changes: a) mutual misunderstanding of the difficulties encountered; b) a negative judgment of one's spouse; c) an inability to share the mourning process; d) a continued shallow marital relationship; e) a decrease in communication; f) a lack of agreement on the desirability of having a child; g) sexual difficulties; and h) a general doubting of the value of remaining as a couple.Seven factors were involved in the positive changes: a) strengthening of the couple's bond by sharing the difficulty; b) a recognition of the miscarriage and his/her spouse's reaction; c) a positive evaluation of his/her spouse; d) an open-mindedness to the partner and reconfirmation of his/her own feelings toward the partner; e) a sharing of the mourning process; f) an affirmation of and commitment to improve the marital relationship; and g) a self-awareness and striving for being a parent.ConclusionThese results reconfirmed that a miscarriage is a major stress factor which can cause a crisis in a marital relationship. They also suggest that the ways that women and men face the miscarriage and faced themselves and whether they share the mourning process relates to the development of the relationship. The data also suggests that a miscarriage lets the couple confirm whether they want to have a child or not. Finally, the data suggests that a miscarriage, if encountered positively, can help the couple grow from growth into an existential humanistic relationship.