Strength in a relationship: The marital relationship after the unexpected loss of a child

• Main Author: Rafael, Janina Gabrielle Pay
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2015
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/18103
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aims to understand how the unexpected loss of a child affects the marital relationship of a couple. By understanding such a sensitive loss, it may help other parents who might experience or have experienced this in their lifetime, understand their feelings through such a difficult time. The researchers conducted a qualitative study using thematic analysis. Three married couples underwent interviews centred on the loss and how it has affected their marriage.Their responses were coded and cross analyzed to create themes that could answer the research questions. Findings showed that the marital relationship is expected to go through a period of distancing until they reach a deciding point of whether it will be sustained or not. Some significant factors that may help sustain this include persistence and parental responsibility. The researchers recommend stricter control of participant recruitment and a more focused analysis for more reliable and purposeful findings.