Gender Differences in the Development of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Following Pregnancy Loss: Social Support and Causal Attributes

Parents who experience pregnancy loss are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The current study examined PTSS in mothers and fathers following pregnancy loss, and the associations between social support, causal attributes of the loss, and the extent of PTSS following pregnancy loss. Parents who experienced pregnancy loss, parents who experienced a birth of a healthy baby, and participants who did not experience pregnancy completed online questionnaires. Participants completed questionnaires assessing demographic factors, PTSS, social support and causal attributes of the loss. Pregnancy loss was accompanied by increased levels of PTSS in mothers more than in fathers and following planned abortion than spontaneous miscarriage. Perception of peer support moderated PTSS in fathers, and psychological and behavioral attributes of the loss mediated PTSS in a gender-dependent manner. The current study extends our understanding of the unique experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss. Findings indicate that following pregnancy loss, mothers and fathers similarly show PTSS response. However, utilization of resources such as social support and causal attributes of the loss is different between men and women, and between parents coping with different types of loss.