Background: Responses to miscarriage range from relief to devastation, yet
there have been no randomized controlled studies that demonstrate significa
nt effects of counseling with women who miscarry.
Objective: To test the effects of caring-based counseling, measurement, and
time on the integration of loss (miscarriage impact) and women's emotional
well-being (moods and self-esteem) in the first year after miscarrying.
Method: ANCOVA was used in this randomized, longitudinal Solomon four-group
experimental investigation. Enrolled were 242; 185 completed. Outcomes inc
luded: self-esteem overall emotional disturbance, anger, depression, anxiet
y, confusion, overall miscarriage impact, personal significance, devastatin
g event, lost baby, and isolated.
Results: During the first year after loss (a) caring was effective in reduc
ing overall emotional disturbance, anger, and depression; and (b) time pass
ing led to increased self-esteem and decreased anxiety, depression, anger,
confusion, and personal significance of loss.
Conclusion: Caring, measurement, and time had some positive and significant
effects on the integration of loss and enhancement of well-being in the fi
rst year subsequent to miscarrying.