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.