Psychological Overview of Loss and Grief in Post-Abortion Mothers of First Pregnancy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v8i4.2019Keywords:
abortion, first pregnancy, loss and grief, perinatal grief, psychological responseAbstract
Abortion in the first pregnancy often causes significant psychological effects, especially related to feelings of loss and grief. This condition can affect the emotional well-being of mothers, especially at a young age and without adequate social support. This study aims to describe the psychological condition of mothers after their first pregnancy abortion in relation to loss and grief based on the mother's age, gestational age, and the results of The Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) measurement. This study used a quantitative descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. The study used a purposive sampling technique, in which respondents were selected based on specific criteria determined by the researcher. The sample consisted of four respondents who met the inclusion criteria, namely mothers who had experienced abortion during their first pregnancy and received treatment at PKU Singkil Aisyiyah Boyolali Hospital between July and August 2025. Data were collected through subjective interviews and the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) questionnaire to assess the level of grief in mothers after abortion during their first pregnancy. The PGS questionnaire has been proven to be valid and reliable, with a Cronbach’s Alpha value of >0.90, and consists of three subscales: Active Grief, Difficulty Coping, and Despair. The data were analyzed descriptively to describe the level of grief experienced by the respondents. The results showed that total PGS scores ranged from 74 to 136, with moderate to severe grief categories. Respondents who were younger (23–25 years old) and had earlier pregnancies (10–13 weeks) showed more severe grief, especially on the Active Grief and Despair subscales. Conversely, more mature mothers (aged 27–30 years) with pregnancies of 14–16 weeks showed a better stage of acceptance thanks to family support and emotional maturity. The level of grief in mothers after their first pregnancy abortion is influenced by age, gestational age, and social support.
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