Acute versus chronic grief: The case of pregnancy loss.

• DOI: 10.1037/h0079288
• Publication Date: 2007-02-27T16:04:32Z
• Authors: Judith N. Lasker; Lori J. Toedter
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Personality Tests; Infant, Newborn; Social Support; Pregnancy, Ectopic; 3. Good health; Abortion, Spontaneous; Life Change Events; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Adaptation, Psychological; Chronic Disease; Humans; Female; Grief; Longitudinal Studies; Fetal Death

Conceptual and measurement problems in identifying those at risk of chronic grief are reviewed, results presented a longitudinal study people who have experienced pregnancy loss. Coping resources, particularly prior mental health social support, were the best predictors low scores on subscales Perinatal Grief Scale that indicate reactions. Results also offer some evidence delayed responses, especially among men early losses.