Unheard and Unseen: Exploring the Disenfranchisement of Perinatal Loss in North-Indian Men

Title

Unheard and Unseen: Exploring the Disenfranchisement of Perinatal Loss in North-Indian Men

Creator

Kapil A.; Chakraborty R.

Description

Mental distress is recognised as common following perinatal loss. But often, existing literature and bereavement care standards focus on women, leaving a gap in understanding mens grief. This qualitative study examined the emotional experiences of males from some Northern states of India, who had experienced perinatal loss, with a focus on grief disenfranchisement. Eleven participants were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Thematic analysis unveiled themes on the intersection of religiosity and grief, social structuring of grief patterns, gender-based grieving, inhibited expression of grief in men, disenfranchisement of grief, self-focused coping, coping with the help of others, and interpersonal barriers to emotional disclosure. The findings provide valuable insights, helping mental health practitioners better understand mens experiences of perinatal loss and develop more effective support strategies. 2024 SAGE Publications.

Source

Journal of Men's Studies

Date

2024-01-01

Publisher

SAGE Publications Inc.

Subject

disenfranchisement; gender-based grieving; grief; masculinity; perinatal loss

Coverage

Kapil A., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Chakraborty R., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access

Relation

ISSN: 10608265

Format

Online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1177/10608265241256962

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85194536996&doi=10.1177%2f10608265241256962&partnerID=40&md5=184f5a2abc440425dd5ab263a5a898b0