Perinatal grief creates vulnerability to anxiety in subsequent pregnancy: the mediating role of bereavement-related guilt

Keser E., Kahya Y.

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, vol.43, no.5, pp.1263-1275, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 43 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2335176
  • Journal Name: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, PASCAL, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.1263-1275
  • Keywords: bereavement, grief, guilt, Perinatal loss, pregnancy, pregnancy-related anxiety
  • TED University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the associations among perinatal grief symptoms, bereavement-related guilt, and pregnancy-related anxiety in subsequent pregnancy within the framework of a hypothesised mourning model. Method: Pregnant women with history of a perinatal loss were recruited using convenience sampling methods and completed a questionnaire set including the Perinatal Grief Scale, Bereavement Guilt Scale, and Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale. Results: Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the hypothesised model in a sample of pregnant women with history of a perinatal loss (N = 111). The results indicated that bereavement-related guilt functions as a mediator in the relationship between perinatal grief severity and pregnancy-related anxiety experienced in subsequent pregnancies. Conclusion: These findings were evaluated in light of previous studies, providing a bereavement-based perspective on the potential transmission of the mental effects of perinatal loss to subsequent pregnancy.