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. 2023 Jul 21;23(1):386.
doi: 10.1186/s12905-023-02542-6.

Internal growth of women with recurrent miscarriage: a qualitative descriptive study based on the post-traumatic growth theory

Gisoo Shin  1 , Hye Jin Kim  2 , Sung Hae Kim  3
Affiliations

Internal growth of women with recurrent miscarriage: a qualitative descriptive study based on the post-traumatic growth theory

Gisoo Shin et al. BMC Womens Health. .

Abstract

Background: Unexpected and repeated miscarriages in a woman's life cycle can be a mental and physical burden and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. However, women may also experience inner growth with such experiences.

Methods: This study was qualitative descriptive research examining the experiences of South Korean women who had recurrent miscarriages three or more times.

Results: The average age of the participants was 34.6 years, and the average number of recurrent miscarriages was 3.87. Additionally, five themes were identified as follows: (1) Confusing as if in muddy water, (2) Self-examination of past daily life, (3) Empathy and comfort in homogeneous groups, (4) Religious beliefs that include the lost fetus, and (5) Transforming for internal growth.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, intervention strategies need to be implemented to support the inner growth of women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages.

Keywords: Internal Growth; Post-traumatic Growth; Recurrent Miscarriage; Women.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Fig.1
Fig.1
Concept framework of the present study based on the post-traumatic growth theory
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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