Parental response to perinatal death. Mother-father differences

A. L. Wilson, D. Witzke, L. J. Fenton and D. Soule

Depression and social interaction of mothers and fathers following a perinatal loss were studied using the questionnaire responses of 58 married couples. In the first six weeks following their loss, differences observed in responses of mothers and fathers are most apparent. During this time, mothers have more depressive symptoms, more often would like others to open a conversation with them about the baby, and are more likely to find their spouse helpful. At a mean of 25 months after the death, mothers' and fathers' differences with respect to depression become less apparent. However, fathers with more depressive symptomatology have increasing needs for social interaction and do not perceive that their marriage has grown stronger. Maternal depression has no correlation with perceptions of marital strength. Family counseling should reflect the possible variations in timing of the grief reaction and potential capabilities of parents to be supportive of one another.