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Published in: Journal of Religion and Health 4/2010

01-12-2010 | Original Paper

Religious Beliefs Affect Grieving After Pregnancy Loss

Authors: F. S. Cowchock, J. N. Lasker, L. J. Toedter, S. A. Skumanich, H. G. Koenig

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Religious beliefs and practices may aid in coping with bereavement and grief after pregnancy loss. Data from 103 women enrolled in the original Lehigh Valley Perinatal Loss Project, and who were followed-up for at least 1 year, were evaluated for the impact of initial religious practices and beliefs on the course and severity of grief. Religious practices corresponding to standard scales of religiosity and agreement with specific beliefs were rated by the women on a Likert scale of 1–5. Neither agreement with statements corresponding to extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity or to positive religious coping, nor frequency of religious service attendance was predictive of follow-up scores on the Perinatal Grief Scale. Religious struggle, agreement with statements classified as negative religious coping, and continued attachment to the baby were all associated with more severe grief.
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Metadata
Title
Religious Beliefs Affect Grieving After Pregnancy Loss
Authors
F. S. Cowchock
J. N. Lasker
L. J. Toedter
S. A. Skumanich
H. G. Koenig
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-009-9277-3

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