Unheard and Unseen: Exploring the Disenfranchisement of Perinatal Loss in North-Indian Men
disenfranchisement; gender-based grieving; grief; masculinity; perinatal loss
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.
Journal of Men's Studies ;Volume;33;Issue;1;pp.62-85
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
https://doi.org/10.1177/10608265241256962 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105002155184?origin=resultslist
Kapil A., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Chakraborty R., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bengaluru, India