Posttraumatic Growth and Transformation as Outcomes of Perinatal Loss

Abstract

Perinatal loss in its many forms results in profound grief and distress for women, their partners, and families. The possibility of personal growth in the aftermath of perinatal loss has been suggested through early research; however, systematic research on posttraumatic growth after perinatal loss has not been well-developed. Posttraumatic growth is positive psychological change as a result of confronting a challenging life experience. After a short description of perinatal loss, this article presents the conceptual development of posttraumatic growth, its measurement, and early research suggesting that posttraumatic growth occurs after perinatal loss. Finally, future avenues for research are recommended, and suggestions are made as to how clinicians may acknowledge the positive transformative work of bereavement in order to enhance posttraumatic growth in their patients who have experienced the painful loss of their expected children.